


■ 






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H 

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THE 



GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 



OF 



9 I % 



Pennsylvania, and the Western States. 

■ ESIGNED AS A 

GUIDE AND POCKET COMPANION, 

FOR 

Travellers and Emigrants, 

TO 

PENNSYLVANIA, OHIO, INDIANA, ILLINOIS, 
MICHIGAN AND MISSOURI; 

CONTAINING 

A GEOGRAPHICAL AND EARLY HISTORICAL ACCOUNT OF THE*E 

SEVERAL STATES, FROM THEIR FIRST SETTLEMExNT 

UP TO THE PRESENT TIME. 



BY I. DANIEL RUPP, ESQ. 

Teacher and Translater. 



HARRISBURG, PA : 

PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY JOH N WINEBRENNER, V.D.M. 

1836. 



?5\2 



Stttm&, accordiag to an Aet of Congress, in the 
year 1836, by 

JOHN WINEBRENNER, V. D. M. 

In the Clerk's Offiee of the District Court of the Eastern 
District of Pennsylvania. 



<Tj \-\), 






PREFACE. 



That a work like the present is useful and important 
needs no proof. The author has long been impressed that 
a Geographical Catechism of Pennsylvania and of the 
Western States, would be very acceptable and useful ; and 
has, at the solicitation of some of his friends, (who knew 
that he had travelled considerably in the "Far West"' 
some six years ago, and collected much geographical 
knowledge by making personal observations and enqui- 
ries from those who resided for years in the several west- 
ern states,) compiled this work. When he was in the west, 
in 1829 and 1830, he took accurate notes ; however, on 
consulting these now, though correct at the time when 
taken, and comparing them with works recently publish- 
ed, he found they were of little use—much like a garment 
made for a young and growing giant, " two short and not 
long enough," after a few year's growth ; for the changes 
since that time have been both rapid and wide. Hence in 
presenting this book, it cannot be expected that he should 
be so presumptuous as to claim general originality, though 
he claims accuracy ; for he can assure the public that h& 
has used every exertion to have the work correct by com- 
paring it with the latest publications. 

In compiling this work the author had before him Dar- 
by's and D wights' Gazetteer of the United States; Daven- 
port's Gazetteer; Gordan's Gazetteer of Pennsylvania • 
Hazzard's Register; Mrs. Eaton's Geography of Pennsyl- 
vania ; Flint's Geography ; Goodrick's Geography; Com- 



1V PREPACK. 

mercial Atlas; Mitchell's and Himnan's Guide and Com- 
pendium of Canals and Railroads; Kilbourn's Gazetteer 
of Ohio; Illinois Gazetteer and Emigrants' Guide by J. 
M. Peck, A. M. Willet's and Dana's Sketches of the West. 
As to the plan of the work, the descriptions of each 
state and the statistical facts, &c, are arranged under two 
general heads; Physical Geography and Political Geo- 
graphy. 

The first comprising a description of the boundaries, 
square miles, acres, mountains, valleys, rivers, harbors,, 
bays, soil, surface, geology, minerals, mineral and medi- 
cal springs, caves, natural curiosities, productions, cli- 
mate, &c. 

The second gives a synopsis of the constitution of each 
of the states described, population, divisions into counties 
alphabetically arranged, chief towns, internal improve- 
ments, viz : bridges, turnpikes, canals and railroads ; agri- 
culture, commerce, manufactures, education, colleges, 
academies, common schools, lyceums, religion, maintain- 
ance of the poor, penitentiary system, banks, revenue, 
early history, principal stage routes, &.c. 

To avoid the usual marks of quotation, let it suffice to 
say; that he has availed himself of the above named works, 
especially Flint's and Peck's works— often used the very 
words of others when they fully expressed his views bet- 
ter than he could have hoped to express them himself. 

How far the Author has succeeded in his attempts to 
render this work useful and acceptable, he can with cheer- 
fulness rely upon the enlightened candor of the public. 

Those who desire more extensive information, can 
profitably consult the works cited ; particularly Flint and 
Peck on the West. 

I. D. R. 
Rtfuge, near Mechanicsburg, 
Cumberland County t Pa, 



MNWSYIiVANIA. 



4J. Whence is the name Pennsylvania derived? 

A. It is derived from the surname of William Perm, and 

■sylva, woods ; and means, literally, Perm's zvoods. This 

was a very appropriate name ; for few, if any regions of 

equal extent, and in one continuous body, ever bore, in a 

state of nature, a more dense forest. 

Q. How is Pennsylvania bounded ? 

A. The northwestern corner, for the distance of 39 miles, 

is bounded by lake Erie, and north by New York, for a 

distance of 230 miles ; the Delaware river separating it 

from New York and New Jersey, bounds it on the east 

230 miles ; from the Delaware river, by a circular line, 

around New Castle county, Delaware, to the N. E. limits 

Maryland, 24 miles ; on the S. by Mary- 

nd by Virginia 69 miles ; aud on the west 

s Ohio river, 64 miles ; and by the state 

irie, 91 miles ; having an entire outline of 



| Q. What is the shape of Pennsylvania ? 

A. It is almost a perfect parallelogram; three of its sides 
being marked by parallels of latitude and a meridian. It 
extends from latitude 39 deg. 43 min. to 43 deg. 16 min. 
north, and from 2 deg. 20 min. east, to 3 deg. 36 min. west 
from Washington. Its greatest length is 315 miles ; 
greatest breadth 176; general breadth 153. 

1 



2 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

Q. What is its area ? 

A. The area of it has been variously stated. Some geog- 
raphers state 43,950 square miles, others 46,000 square 
miles. But by comparing the best maps, and from calcu- 
lating the rhombs„and parts occupied by the State, it in- 
cludes above 47,000 square miles. 

Q,. How many acres does it contain? 

A. According to the most accurate calculations, it con- 
tains thirty millions and eighty thousand acres. 

Q. What are the names of the principal mountains? 

A. The South mountain, the Blue mountain, the Kitta- 
tinny, the Cove mountain, Sideling Hill, Allegheny, Lau- 
rel Ridge, Chesnut Ridge, Rugged mountains, Great War- 
rior's mountain, East Will's mountain, Jack's mountain, 
&c, &c. 

Q. What is the peculiar mountainiu aspect of Pennsyl- 
vania ? 

A. Pennsylvania has a very peculiar aspect to itself on 
account of the structure and position of its mountains 
which greatly modify the features of the state. 

Q. Can you describe the principal mountains and their 

ranges ? 

A. " Without attending to very minute descriptions, the 

mountains are as follow : 

» Though omitted in most maps, a chain enters the 
south boundary of York county, and cut by the Susque- 
hanna river, rises in, and traverses Lancaster county be- 
tween Pequea and Octorara creeks; and between the 
sources of the Conestoga and Brandywine; separates for 
a short distance Lancaster and Chester, and is penetrated 
by the Schuylkill above Pottstown. Rising again," and 
stretching northeast, it forms first the boundary between 
Montgomery and Berks; thence between Lehigh and 
Bucks, and, separating Northampton from Bucks, reaches, 
the Delaware. 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. 3 

Northwest from, and nearly parallel to, the preceding 
chain, another very remarkable ridge traverses New Jersey 
and Pennsylvania ; and, similar to the former, the latter is 
unknown in either of these states by any general name. 
Its continuation in New York, is designated by that of 
Shawangunk. Between the Susquehanna and Potomac, 
it is termed relatively the South Mountain, and in Virginia 
and the Carolinas, it forms the Blue Ridge; aud, entering 
the northeast part of Georgia, is gradually lost among the 
sources of Chatahooche river. 

After Mr. Darby, we have adopted or extended the 
name Blue Ridge into Pennsylvania. This remarkable 
chain enters the state on. its southern line, and stretching 
north between Adams and Franklin counties, reaches the 
southern angle of Cumberland, where it turns to northeast, 
and extending towards the Susquehanna, separates Cum- 
berland from Adams and York counties. About six miles 
below Harrisburg, it is pierced or broken down by the 
Susquehanna river; again rising below the mouth of the 
Swatara, it crosses the southern angle of Dauphin; thence 
known as the Conewago hills, separates Lebanon from 
Lancaster county, enters Berks, and reaches the Schuyl- 
kill at Reading. Continuing through Berks, Lehigh, and 
Northampton counties, passes Allentown, Bethlehem, and 
Easton, where it is interrupted by the Delaware below 
the latter town. 

The third, and, in some respects, the most remarkable 
^hain of Pennsylvania, is the Kittatinny. Known by di- 
vers local names, this mountain, in a survey, advancing 
from southeast to northeast, first rises distinctly in Frank- 
lin county, and like other chains in the southern margin 
of the state, ranges a little east of north ; but bending 
more to the northeast extends to the Susquehanna, sepa- 
rating Cumberland and Perry counties. Five miles above 
Harrisburg, the Kittatinny is interrupted by the Susque- 



4 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

hanna river. Broken, also, by the Swatara, the Schuyl- 
kill, the Lehigh, and the Delaware, it enters New Jersey. 
The general aspect of the Kittatinny is much more con- 
tinuous than that of any other mountain chain of Penn- 
sylvania. It is, however, very far from being uniform in 
elevation, varying from 800 to perhaps 1500 feet above 
tide water. 

Northwest from Kittatinny, though more elevated, the 
chains are much less distinctly denned. Between the Kit- 
tinny mountain, and the north branch of the Susquehanna 
river, the intermediate country is in a great part compos- 
e f high, rugged mountains, and narrow, deep, precip- 
itous Aalleys. This is the most sterile and least improve- 
able part of Pennsylvania ; but it is the region producing 
the most immense masses of anthracite coal known on the 
globe. 

The confusion in the natural arrangement of the anthra- 
cite section of Pennsylvania, is more apparent than reaL 
The Kittatinny mountain'and the north branch of the Sus- 
quehanna lie nearly parallel upwards of 70 miles, distant 
from each other about 35 miles. The intervening space 
is filled by lateral chains, rising in many places, far above 
any part of the Kittatinny, Among these, two are worthy 
of particular notice, and serve pre-eminently to elucidate 
the very peculiar topography of interior Pennsylvania. 

Bedford and Franklin counties are separated by a chain 
here known as the Cove mountain. With a change of name 
to Tuscarora mountain, the latter chain separates Frank- 
lin from Huntingdon, and Perry from Mifflin, and reaches 
the Susquehanna nearly opposite the southern extremity 
of Northumberland county. Rising again below the Ma- 
hangtango river, and broken into vast links, the chain 
divides into nearly equal parts the space between the Kit- 
tatinny mountains and the main branch of the Susque- 
hanna river. Broad mountain, passed on the road fjcom. 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. 5 

Easton and Bethlehem to Berwick, is one of the great links 
of this central chain. 

More accurate surveys would, it is supposed, identify 
Sideling hill, of Bedford county, Jack's mountain, of Hun- 
tingdon and Mifflin, and the central chain of Union, Co- 
lumbia, and Luzerne counties. 

The chain which rises on both banks of the north 
branch of the Susquehanna, in Luzerne, is amongst the 
most interesting features, not only of the United States, 
but of the world. Below Sunbury a chain commences and 
is continued up the Susquehanna along its left shore, 
which is divided by the river above Danville, and again 
above Catawissa. From the latter place it stretches north- 
east through Columbia, and enters Luzerne by the name 
of A T escopeck mountain, mingles with other chains, and 
terminates in the southern part of Wayne county. Nearly 
parallel to the Nescopeck, another chain leaves the north 
branch of the Susquehanna, 16 miles below Wilkesbarre. 
Skirting the left bank about eight miles, it is again crossed 
by the river, and continuing its course N. E. passes about 
two miles from, and opposite Wilkesbarre. Preserving 
this course, it is for the third and last time crossed by the 
Susquehanna above the mouth of Lackawannock creek, 
ten miles above Wilkesbarre, and stretching towards the 
Delaware is lost in Wayne county. Beyond the main 
branch of the Susquehanna, to the N.W., the chains lie 
nearly parallel to those S. E. from the river. The con- 
struction of the country on both sides of the Susquehanna 
is nearly the same. 

To the eye, the region included between the west 
branch of the Susquehanna and the Potomac, bears a 
strong analogy to that between the west and north 
branches of the Susquehanna, but a minute scrutiny ex- 
poses great changes, advancing S.W., towards the bor- 
ders of Maryland, Soil and vegetation both differ ma? 

1* 



6 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

teriaily. The beech, hemlock, and sugar-maple forests, 
are succeeded in the valleys by oak, hickory, and elm. 
Thus far the entire drain of Pennsylvania is into the At" 
lantic ocean. The chain called " Allegheny" forms, in the 
southern part of the state, the dividing ridge between the 
Atlantic slope and Ohio valley ; and has probably from 
this circumstance received its pre-eminence amongst the 
mountain chains of Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, 
Only about sixty miles of its range in the former state, 
however, does separate the sources of the streams of the 
two great natural sections, the Atlantic slope and Ohio val- 
ley. The Allegheny chain, leaving Allegheny county in 
Maryland, separates Bedford and Somerset counties, and 
extending in a northerly direction, also separates the 
northwest part of Bedford, from the southeast part of 
Cambria county. At the extreme northern angle of Bed- 
ford, the mountain turns to the northeast, and is thence 
drained on both sides by the tributary streams of the Sus- 
quehanna. Discharging the waters of the west branch to 
the northwest, and those of the Juniata and Bald Eagle 
rivers to the southeast ; the Allegheny reaches the west 
branch of the Susquehanna at the mouth of the Bald Eagle 
rivor. 

What may be the elevation of its summit, the base of the 
Allegheny chain between Bedford and Somerset, and 
Cambria counties, constitutes the height of land between 
the Ohio river and Atlantic tides ; and form also a similar 
demarcation in Maryland. 

As a mountain chain, it yields in grandeur of scenery 
and in elevation above its base not only to the Broad 
mountain, but to many other chains of the Appalachian 
system. 

Chesnut Ridge is the next chain west of the Allegheny ; 
the two chains extending nearly parallel, and about twen- 
ty miles asunder. Though not of the greatest elevation, 
this is one of the most extended chains of the system to 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. 7 

which it appertains ; reaching by various local names 
over Virginia into Tennessee, and most probably into 
Alabama. As placed on our maps, it enters Pennaylvania 
at the northwest angle of Maryland, and ranging a little 
east of north forms the boundary between Fayette and 
Somerset ; thence between Westmoreland and Somerset, 
and finally between the northeast angle of Westmoreland 
and southwest of Cambria county. At the extreme north- 
east angle of Westmoreland, this ridge reaches the Kiski- 
minitas river, and as delineated, its termination. So far 
from being so in nature, this chain preserves its idenity 
through the state further north than any other chain of 
the system. 

Laurel Hill is the last chain of the system in Pennsylva- 
nia. What has already been observed respecting the 
height of the chains nearest the Atlantic ocean, may be 
repeated in relation to the Chesnut Ridge and Laurel Hill 
that though not very elevated, they nevertheless exist as 
well defined mountain chains. The latter is a very ex- 
tended branch of the system reaching from the northern 
part of Pennsylvania in Alabama. Similar to Chesnut 
Ridge, Laurel Kill is terminated on our maps near the 
Kiskiminitas, though in reality extending to near the south 
boundary of New York. 

In addition to the great chains we have been surveying; 
many of minor importance might be noted ; but we have 
deemed a view of the most striking parts sufficient. If 
engrouped into one view the mountains of Pennsylvania 
exhibit many interesting points of observation. The Ap- 
palachian system is here upwards of 150 miles wide. The 
particular chains do not average more than three miles, 
if so much, in breadth. 

Q. What area do these mountains cover ? 
A. According to the most accurate estimation, it is sup- 
posed that the bases of the mountains of Pennsylvania 



8. GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

cover about 6,750 square miles, or nearly the one-seventh 
of the superiices of the state. 

(|. What is the general appearance of the valleys ? 

A. The valleys are generally irregular, especially those 
of the Susquehanna and its branches, which traverse the 
whole width of the Appalachian chain of mountains, some 
times flowing in wide valleys between parallel ranges, for 
50 and 60 miles in a pretty direct course, and at other 
times breaking through the mountain ridges. The valleys 
between the different ranges vary greatly, from 5 to 10, 
20 and 40 miles, the latter generally with a hilly or broken 
surface. 

Q. Can you name the principal rivers which drain thi^ 
state ? 

A. The State is drained by the Delaware, Susquehanna, 
Ohio, Potomac, and Gennessee, and the extreme A T . West 
angle by lake Erie. 

Note. — The following tables give the respective area of each, and. 
also the smaller sections of the Potomac, Gennessee and Erie. 

Delaware, river drains the counties of 





Square 


Miles. 


Acres. 


Berks, 


- 


950 


608,000 


Bucks, 


- 


640 


409,600 


Chester 3-4 


- 


550 


352,000 


Deaware, 


- 


180 


115,200 


Lebanon 1-8 


- 


40 


. 25,600 


Lehigh, 


*.. 


230 


360,400 


Luzerne, 


. 


180 


115,200 


^'"Montgomery, - 


- 


450 


288,000 


Northampton' - 


- 


1,100 


704,000 


Philadelphia, 


- 


220 


76,800 


Pike, 


- 


850 


544,000 



5,420 3,468,800 



OF PNWSYLVANIA. 



Brought forward, 


5,420 


3,468,800 


Schuylkill 5-8, 


500 


320,000 


Wayne, - -. 


790 
6,710 


505,600 




4,294,400 


Susquehanna drains the counties of 


^/^Adams 3-5, 


350 


224,000 


Bedford 3-5, 


1,000 


640,000 


Bradford, - 


1,260 


806,400 


Cambria 2-5, 


330 


211,200 


Centre, - 


1,460 


934,400 


Chester 1-4, 


180 


111,200 


Clearfield 9-10, - 


1,450 


928,000 


Columbia, 


630 


403,200 


Cumberland, 


630 


403,200 


Dauphin, - 


550 


352,550 


Franklin 1-3 


280 


179,200 


Huningdon, 


1,280 


819,000 


Indiana 1-10, 


80 


51,200 


Lebanon 7-8 


280 


179,200 


Luzerne 9-10, 


1,920 


1,328,800 


Lycoming, 


2,610 


1,606,400 


M'Kean 1-4, 


380 


243,200 


Mifflin, 


910 


582,400 


Northumberland, 


500 


320,000 


Perry, - 


550 


352,000 


Potter 5-8, 


750 


480,000 


Schuylkill 3-8, - 


300 


192,000 


Susquehanna, 


910 


582,400 


Tioga, - - - 


1,180 


765,200 


Union, - 


600 


484,000 


ork, 


1,120 


716,800 



21,390 13,685,600 



10 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

Genessee drains 1 -8 of Potter, 1 50 96,000 





Potomac drains 




Adams 2-5, 


- 


- 


220 


140,800 


Bedford 2-5, 


- 


- 


630 


403,200 


Franklin 2-3, 


- 


- 


560 


358,400 


Somerset 1-6, 


- 


~ 


180 
1,590 


115,200 




1,017,600 



Lake Erie drains 
Erie county 1-2, - 380 243,200 

Ohio river drains the counties of 
Allegheny, 
Armstrong, 
Beaver, - 
Butler, 
Cambria 3-5, 
Clearfield 1-10, - 
Crawford, 
Erie 1-2 
Fayette, - 
Greene, - 
Indiana 9-10, 
Jefferson, 
M'Kean 3-4, ' - 
Mercer, - 
Potter 1-4, 
Somerset, 
Venango, 
Warren, 
Washington, 
Westmoreland, 

16,760 10,598,400 



810 


518,400 


1,010 


646,400 


690 


341,600 


860 


544,000 


800 


512,000 


160 


102,400 


1,040 


665,600 


380 


243,200 


900 


576,000 


640 


409,600 


680 


435,200 


1,280 


519,200 


1,140 


729,600 


889 


563,200 


520 


204,800 


800 


512,000 


1,200 


768,000 


900 


576,000 


900 


576,000 


1,180 


755,200 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. n 





SUMMARY. 




Delaware drains 


- 


6,710 


4,294,409 


Susquehanna, 


- 


21,300 


13,685,600 


Genessee, 


- 


150 


96,000 


Potomac, 


- 


1,590 


1,017,600 


Ohio, 


- 


16,760 


10,598,400 


Lake Erie, - 




380 


243,200 




46,980 


29,935,200 



Q,. Can yon give a general description of the range of 
rivers, and what principle may be assumed as a safe one, 
in describing the rise and course of rivers? 

A. "It may be assumed as a general principle, that the 
mountain streams particularly, either flow northeast or 
southwest along the mountain valleys or directly at right 
angles to that course, through the mountain chains. The 
conformity of the river courses to the mountains, is in a 
striking manner obvious in the Delaware and Susque- 
hanna. The Delaware rises by two branches in the west- 
ern spurs of the Catsbergs. The Coofcquago to the north- 
west and Popachton to the southeast, flow from their sour- 
ces southwest about fifty miles, draining Delaware county 
in New York. Reaching within about five miles from the 
northeast angle of Pennsylvania, the Cookquago turns to 
southeast, and continuing that course five or six miles 
receives the Popachton. The united streams maintain a 
southeast course, fifty miles to the mouth of the Nevisink, 
and northern extremity of New Jersey. The Delaware 
here touches the northwest foot of the Kittatinny chain, 
along which it turns to the southwest thirty-five miles to 
the mouth of Broadhead's creek, from Pike and Northamp- 
ton counties. Winding to the south below the entrance 
of Broadhead's creek, it breaks through the Kittatinny 
and enters the fine valley between that chain and forms 
a mountain pass, and five miles further down, another 



12 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

through the southeast mountain. At the southeast base 
of the latter chain the river once more assumes a south 
east course after having meandered through the Kitta- 
tinny valley about thirty miles. 

At Trenton, thirty-five miles below the southeast moun- 
tain, the river passes the primitive ledge, and meets the 
tide; and five miles below, near Bristol and Bordentown. 
again turns to southwest. Passing along or near the 
primitive rock, it receives near Philadelphia the Schuylkill 
from the northwest. Forming its last great bend five or 
six miles below Newcastle, the bay of Delaware opens in- 
to the Atlantic ocean in a southeast direction. 

The entire length of the Delaware is by comparative 
courses from the Catsbergs to the Atlantic ocean, three 
hundred and ten miles, not quite one-half being tide water. 
Though rolling over numerous rapids, no cataracts inter- 
rupt the navigation, which at times of moderately high 
water, reaches by both constituent branches into New- 
York. The general course is, with a trifling deviation to 
the west, south, and north. When viewed on a map, the 
various sections of this river have the appearance of arti- 
ficial arrangement ; the two lower bends strongly prove 
the geological influecne of the mountain system. Though 
but little elevated above the ordinary surface of the coun- 
try through which it passes, the great primitive ledge pur- 
sues a direction remarkably similar to that of the Appala- 
chian chains. From Bristol to its lowest bend below 
Newcastle, it flows down the southeast margin of the prim- 
itive ; separating the sandy shores of New Jersey from 
the micaceous soil of Pennsylvania and Delaware. 

Like the Susquehanna and the Potomac, the Delaware 
receives nearly all its large tributary streams from the 
west. Of these, only two, the Lehigh and Schuylkill are 
of considerable magnitude. 

From the position of their valleys as channels of inter- 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. 13 

communication and from the mineral treasures found 
along their mountain sources, the Schuylkill and Lehigh 
have become of great importance. The Lehigh rises by- 
various mountain branches in Northampton, Pike, Wayne 
and Luzerne counties; uniting below Stoddartsville, 
and forming a small, but precipitous river current, pour- 
ing first to the southwest, it gradually turns south and 
southeast, passes Mauch Chunk village, and winding be- 
tween mountain masses, finally breaks through the Kitta- 
tinny, and continuing to the southeast meets the north- 
west base of the Blue ridge at Allentown. Here it turns 
to the northeast along the base of the latter chain, and 
passing Bethlehem, joins the Delaware at Easton. The 
Lehigh is truly a mountain torrent; there is no other 
stream of equal length in the United States which presents 
greater difference of level, between the points of source 
and discharge. 

In a comparative course, it is about twenty-live miles 
from Stoddartsville to Mauch Chunk, and the fall in the 
intermediate distance 845 feet; ten miles in a direct line 
below Mauch Chunk, it passes the Kittatinny, and falls 
245 feet in that short space. From the Lehigh Water Gap, 
or passage through the Kittatinny to its junction with the 
Delaware it falls 205 feet in a comparative course of thir- 
ty-five mdes. The entire fall from Stoddartsville to Eas- 
ton, 1210 feet ; comparative course seventy miles. From 
the junction of its constituent branches below Stoddarts- 
ville to its extreme source is about fifteen or twenty miles, 
giving an entire length of near 100 miles. The fall above 
Stoddartsville, probably amounts to 500 feet; and if so, 
this rapid river falls upwards of 1700 feet in 100 miles ; 
and what may be considered in a peculiar manner remark- 
able, no actual cataract worthy of notice exists in all its 
course. Above the water Gap, the bed of the Lehigh lies 
at the base of steep or precipitous mountains, rising in 

2 



14 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM. 

most places from the margin of the stream. The Scenery 
is in a peculiar manner wild, bold, picturesque and roman- 
tic. Below the Kittatinny, the features of nature are less 
grand along the banks ; but still follow in a rich succes- 
cession of strongly contrasted and elegant landscape. 
The varied character of its shores is preserved to its final 
egress into its recipient at Easton. 

The Lehigh is now rendered navigable by dams and 
pools and connecting canals, for some distance above 
Matich Chunk. 

The Schuylkill rises in, and drains about five-eights of 
Schuylkill county : formed, by two branches; which unite 
immediately above, and pass through the Kittatinny moun- 
tain, seven miles southeast from Orwigsburg. Below the 
mountain it turns to nearly south, in which direction it 
continues through the Blue Ridge at Reading, after hav- 
ing received Maiden creek from the northeast, and the 
Tulpehocken above that town from the southwest. Be- 
low the Blue Ridge, the river again winds to southeast, 
passes the southeast mountain above Pottstown, and re- 
ceiving the Perkiomen, and some lesser creeks from the 
north, crosses the primitive ledges above, and joins the 
Delaware below Philadelphia. Its entire length, by com- 
parative courses, is about one hundred miles, twenty above 
and eighty below the Kittatinny mountains. 

A strong resemblance is perceivable between the 
Schuylkill and the Lehigh, though the scenery along the 
former, is less rugged than that which skirts the latter 
stream. 

The Schuylkill is now navigable by canals and locks to 
Port Carbon. The Union canal company have completed 
a connection between the Susquehanna and Schuylkill by 
the Swatara and Tulpehocken valleys. 

The Susquehanna enters Pennsylvania by two great 
branches, the Susquehanna proper, and the Chemung or 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. X5 

Tioga. Below their junction at Tioga point, the united 
streams flow a little south of east, fifteen miles to the foot 
of the Appalachian system, south of Towanda. Leaving 
secondary, and entering on the transition formation, it 
turns southeast and following that general course fifty 
miles, breaks through several chains and finally, at the 
mouth of the Lackawannock, nine miles above Wilkesbar- 
re, enters the Wyoming valley and turns to southwest ; 
continuing the latter course near seventy miles down 
the mountain valleys to Northumberland and Sun bury, 
and to the mouth of the West Branch. In the entire dis- 
tance from Tioga Point to Sunbury, the Susquehanna 
receives no tributary stream of forty miles direct length ; 
the Towanda, Wyalusing, Tunkhannock, Lackawannock, 
Fishing Creek, and some lesser branches, are mere moun- 
tain creeks, rapid, but not more than from twenty-five 
to fifty-five miles in general course. 

Including all its higher northeast branches, the Susque- 
hanna is peculiar in the structure of its valleys. 

As a navigable stream, the Susquehanna is much less 
interrupted by rapids or dangerous shoals, than from the 
tortuous course it pursues through an extensive mountain 
system, could be expected. It is also remarkable, that 
where the various branches of this river pass the respec- 
tive chains, rapids seldom, and perpendicular falls no 
where exist. The Western branch is in all its extent, a 
river of Pennsylvania. Rising far within the secondary 
formation, its extreme western source in Indianna county 
reaches within less than thirty-five miles of the Allegheny 
river at Kittanning. Flowing northeast about seventy 
miles across Clearfield, it receives the Sinnemahoning 
from the northwest in the southwest angle of Lycoming. 
Below its junction with the Sinnemahoning it continues 
northeast fifteen miles, and thence southeast twenty miles 
to the mouth of Bald Eagle creek, in Centre County. Be- 



16 



GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 



low the Bald Eagle, the course is a little north of east, thir- 
ty-five miles to Pennsborough or Mimcy, receiving in the 
intermediate distance from the north, Pine creek, Lycom- 
ing, and Loyalsock. From Pennsborough the course is 
nearly south, twenty-five miles to the mouth of the North- 
east branch and thirty-five from thence to that of the Ju- 
niata. About eight miles below the entrance of Juniata, 
the Susquehanna, having again assumed a southeastern 
course, passes the Kittatinny mountains ; and ten miles 
below that chain, the Blue Ridge. Maintaining the latter 
course sixty miles below the Ridge, this great river is lost 
in the tides of the Chesapeake bay. 

Juniata, the southwest branch of Susquehanna rises in, 
and drains the northern part of Bedford county. The 
sources of this stream are in the eastern slopes of the Al- 
legheny chain, and flowing nearly twenty miles east, it 
passes Bedford, and breaking through several mountain 
chains, turns abruptly to a course a little east of north, 
forty miles, and receives the Frankstown branch below 
and near the borough of Huntingdon county. The gener- 
al course of Frankstown branch is from northwest to 
southeast, and below their junction, the united streams 
follow that course fifteen miles breaking through Jack's 
mountain. Again inflected to northeast, the Juniata leaves 
Huntingdon and enters Mifflin county, and pursuing that 
direction near thirty miles, passes Lewistown, and again 
winding south and southeast, breaks through Shade moun- 
tain into Tuscarora valley. Crossing that valley, in a 
course of ten miles, it reaches the northwest base of Tus- 
carora mountain down which it flows ten miles, where, 
near Millerstown, it pierces the latter in Perry coun- 
ty, over which it flows fifteen miles to the Susquehanna 
river. 

Like other branches of the Susquehanna, the Juniata, 
is as remarkable for its rapid course as for its exemption 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. 17 

from perpendicular falls. Though originating in, and hav- 
ing its entire course amongst craggy mountains, it is nav- 
igable at high water to near Bedford. 

The Potomac derives but a small portion of its waters 
from Pennsylvania. It has its sources in nearly the high* 
est table land of the Appalachian system. 

Like those of the Delaware and Susquehanna, the great 
confluents of the Potomac, are from the right bank. 

Savage river and Will's creek from Allegheny, Cone- 
cocheague from Washington, and Monocacy from Fred- 
erick county in Maryland, are comparatively trivial, when 
compared with the branches of Potomac derived from Vir- 
ginia. 

At Cumberland, the Potomac reaches within five, and 
at Hancock's within two miles of the south boundary of 
Pennsylvania. 

Leaving the Atlantic slope, we perceive a great river 
valley stretching from Pocahontas county, Virginia, over 
western Pennsylvnnia into New- York. This valley ex- 
tends nearly due north and south St an angle of about 
forty-five degrees, to the range of the Appalachian moun- 
tains, and reaches from North Latitude, 38° 30 to North 
Latitude 42° 20. The extremes giving sources to two 
rivers that of the north to the Allegheny, and that of the 
south to the Monongahela. These streams flowing di- 
rectly towards each other meet at Pittsburg very nearly 
at the middle point of the valley. Their united waters ta- 
king the name of Ohio turns to the west, or rather north- 
west, as for as the entrance of Big Beaver river. With a 
very partial exception, western Pennsylvania is drained 
by the Allegheny and Monongahela. 

Having its source in Potter county in Pennsylvania, and 

interlocking with the head branches of the Susquehanna 

and Genessee, the Allegheny flows northwest about fifty 

miles into Cataraugus county, New- York. Abrubtly 

*2 



18 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

turning to southwest and preserving that general course 
One hundred miles, and receiving French creek from the 
northeast, it thence bends to southeast forty miles, to the 
mouth of Mahoning. About the middle of the latter course, 
Clarion river and Red Bank creek, two large branches, en- 
ter from the northeast. From Mahoning to Pittsburg, the 
general course is again southwest about fifty miles.* 

Kiskiminitas, a very considerable accessory stream of 
the Allegheny river, rises in the mountain valley, between 
the Allegheny and Chesnut Ridge chains, and flowing 
northwest, breaks through Chesnut and Laurel Hill, and 
after a comparative course of seventy-five miles, unites 
with the Allegheny, near midway between the mouth of 
Mahoning and Pittsburg. From the mouth of this river ? 
the state canal extends along its valley, and that of the 
Conemaugh (another name for the sume stream) to Johns- 
town, a distance of about 70 miles. 

Mahoning and Red Bank creeks have their sources in 
Chesnut Ridge, and with each a course of about thirty- 
five miles, the former northwest and the latter southwest, 
join the Allegheny in Armstrong county. Toby's creek, 
or Clarion river, has interlocking sources with those of 
Sinnemahoning and the Allegheny river. The Red Bank 
rises in the same region with Clarion river and Sinne- 
mahoning ; and Mahoning with Red Bank, and the west 
branch of the Susquehanna. 

In point of surface drained, Kiskiminitas is the largest 
cofluent of the Allegheny, and it has interlocking sources 
with those of the west branch of the Susquehanna, Juniata 
and Youghiogheny. 



*The state canal runs along the west bank of the river from oppo- 
site the mouth of the Kiskiminitas to Pittsburg, somewhat more 
than 30 miles. 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. 19 

Allegheny river receives but two considerable tributa- 
ries from the right, French and Conewango creeks. The 
latter rises in Chataque county, New York, by three 
branches ; the Chataque, Casadauga, and Conewango, 
which unite in New York, and forming a navigable 
stream, assume a south course, enter Warren county, 
Pennsylvania, and fall into the Allegheny, at the town of 
Warren, after a comparative course of about forty-four 
miles. 

French creek has its source in the extreme southwest 
angle of New York, and increased by numerous branches 
from Erie and Crawford counties, Pennsylvania, forms a 
navigable river at Meadville. Flowing to the southeast 
from Meadville 25 miles, it unites with the Allegheny river 
at Franklin in Venango county. The entire comparative 
course of French creek is about eighty miles. Along this 
stream the state canal has been finished about thirty 
miles towards the mouth. 

There is no other feature in the hydrography of the 
United States more remarkable than the country from 
which Chatauque and French creeks have their sources. 
The extreme north west waters of the former flow from 
within three, and of the latter, from within five miles of 
the margin of Lake Erie. 

The Allegheny and its branches are the recipients of 
the nerthern part of the great western basin of Pennsyl- 
vania, and are but little impeded by falls, though their cur- 
rent is rapid. 

The Monongahela, formed by two branches, the Mo- 
nongahela proper, and Cheat river, which rise in Pocahon- 
tas, Randolph, Harrison, Lewis, Monongahela and Pres- 
ton counties of Virginia, and unite, two miles within the 
south boundary of Pennsylvania. Their general length 
above Pennsylvania, is about one hundred miles, nearly 
a north course. Preserving the latter direction sixty miles 



20 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

in Pennsylvania, and receiving the Youghiogheny from 
the southeast, the Monongahela mingles with the Alle- 
gheny at Pittsburgh, and forms the Ohio. 

The ^various branches of the Monongahela which de- 
rive their sources from the western chains of the Appala- 
chain system similar to the Potomac, claim a more than 
ordinary share of attention, as forming the proposed 
link in a great line of canal improvement. 

Cheat river flows from the northwestern slope of the 
Allegheny mountain, and draining the easternpart of Ran- 
dolph county, passes Chesnut Ridge, enters Preston Co., 
and forms there a navigable stream, continues north, to 
within five miles of the south boundary of Pennsylvania. 
Turning to the west, it crosses the south line of Pennsyl- 
vania, and unites with the Monongahela. 

Youghiogheny rises in the extreme southwestern angle 
of Maryland, bet we -n the sources of the Potomac and 
Cheat rivers. Pursuing a northern course into Pennsyl- 
vania, and augmented by Castleman's river, its northern 
branch, it turns to northwest, and breaking through Ches- 
nut Ridge and Laurel Hill, joins the Monongahela at 
M'Keesport, eighteen miles above Pittsburg. This is afine 
mountain stream which in all seasons, except in periods of 
long drought, contains more than sufficient water for a 
supply of the most capacious canal ; general comparative 
course about one hundred miles— thirty in Maryland, and 
and seventy in Pennsylvania. 

The Youghiogheny heads with the Cheat branch of Mo- 
nongahela, with the north branch of Potomac, and by 
Castleman's river, with Juniata and Kiskiminitas. 

At Pittsburg, the Ohio is formed by the confluence of 
the Allegheny and Monongahela. The former is the 
principal stream. From Pittsburg to Beaver river, the 
Ohio pursues a northwest course twenty-five miles ; 
thence winding to the west twenty miles, in which it 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. 21 

leaves Pennsylvania, and enters into Ohio. Within the 
latter state, the Ohio river inflects to a course a little west 
of south, seventy miles ; reaching in that direction, nearly 
the same latitude with the south boundary of Pennsylva- 
nia. 

The peculiar courses of the Monongahela and Ohio, 
form one of the most remarkable intermediate peninsulas 
presented by the topography of the United States. The 
two streams flow in very nearly opposite directions, the 
intervening space being from thirty-five to forty miles 
wide, with a mean length of sixty miles. Though hilly , 
rather than mountainous, this peninsula is elevated to from 
six hundred to one thousand feet in the dividing line of its 
waters, above the adjacent rivers. A number of creeks, 
none of which can exceed a comparative course of twen- 
ty-five miles, are poured from the interior spine into the 
respective recipients. The dividing ridge is evidently 
continued north of the Ohio river, broken by that stream 
a few miles below Pittsburg. The northern section is con- 
tinued, inflecting between the western sources of the 
Allegheny, and the eastern sources of Big Beaver river, 
and is finally lost on the southeastern shores of lake 
Erie ; the southern, stretching between the confluents of 
the Ohio and Monongahela rivers, mingles with the Appa- 
lachian chains between the sources of the latter and the 
little Kenhawa. This ridge is the western buttress of the 
upper basin of Ohio, and affords a very striking example 
of the real difference between a chain of hills and one of 
mountains. The ascent by the rivers to the western ridge 
of Pennsylvania is so gradual, and the hills scattered in 
such promiscuous windings through the sources of the 
streams, that an ascent of six or seven hundred feet, in a 
few miles, is imperceptible ; on the contrary, the mountain 
chains extend in regular lines, uninfluenced in their direc- 
tion by the water courses, and are abrupt and steep in 



22 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

their declivities. The mountain seems to have existed pre- 
vious to the rivers, whilst the hills appear to have been 
formed by the abrasion of water. 

Big Beaver, the first river which enters the Ohio, pours 
its current from the north, and falls into its recipient, 
twenty-five miles below the confluence of the Allegheny 
and Monongahela : Big Beaver is formed by the Mahon- 
ing, Shenango, Neshannock and Conequenessing creeks. 
The Shenango rises in Ashtabula county of Ohio, and 
Crawford of Pennsylvania, within twelve miles of the 
southeast shore of Lake Erie, interlocking sources with 
those of Grand river, Conneaut, and French creek, and 
pursuing a nearly south course of Mercer, receives the 
Conequenessing from the northeast, and entering Beaver 
county, unites with the Mahoning and forms Big Beaver. 
The Mahoning is, in reality, the main branch ; rising in 
Columbiana, Stark, Trumbull and Portage counties, Ohio, 
its course is first nearly north thirty miles to near War- 
ren, in Trumbull county. Winding to southeast, it pur- 
sues that course thirty-five miles, entering Pennsylvania 
in the southwest angle of Mercer, and joining the She- 
nango at north latitude 41 degrees, about two miles within 
Beaver county. Below the junction of the Mahoning and 
Shenango, Big Beaver flows a little east of south, twenty 
miles into the Ohio river. Conequenessing is the eastern 
constituent stream of Beaver, draining the peninsula be- 
tween the Allegheny, Ohio, Big Beaver and Shenango ri- 
vers. The state canal follows this stream to the town 
of Newcastle, twenty-four miles and three quarters from 
its mouth, and thence towards Lake Erie. 

The valley of Big Beaver is nearly circular, and about 
seventy miles in diameter ; area, 3850 square miles. It is 
worthy of remark, that the general courses are nearly on 
a direct northwest line; of the Youghiogheny below the 
mouth of Castleman's river, Monongahela and Ohio, from 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. 23 

the mouth of Youghiogheny to that of Big Beaver ; and 
the latter, and Mahoning, to about three miles above War- 
ren. This range of navigable water is from one hundred 
and eighty to two hundred miles, following the sinuosities 
of the streams. 

The sources of the Mahoning interlock with those of 
the Tuscarawas branch of Muskingum, and Cuyahoga and 
Grand river of lake Erie." 

Q. Are there any good harbors in this state ? 

A. Thirty-nine miles of the northwest border of this 
state lie upon lake Erie; this extent contains the harbor of 
Presque Isle, or Erie, which affords a good haven for small 
vessels. 

Q. How is the soil in this state ? 

A. No state in the Union is richer in agriculture than 
this. Its soil is emphatically adapted to raise grain, for it 
contains a greater proportion of good land, than either of 
the Atlantic states. This arises from its peculiar geological 
arrangement, as the greater part of the state consists of 
transition and secondary formation, in which the soil is 
generally richer and more productive. 

The land, bordering on the rivers, in the primitive for- 
mation, is of a superior quality, but generally the soil in 
this division is light. 

The small portion of the primitive, in the southeast cor- 
ner of the state, is exceeded by a vast extent of transi- 
tion, seventy miles in width, terminating, as we have. seen, 
near the summit of the Allegheny mountain. In this for- 
mation is found much land which is rich and productive. 
That portion which extends through Chester, Lancaster 
and York, is eminently productive. Here limestone and 
marble of a superior quality, are found. Between the 
Blue Ridge and Kittatinny mountain is the Cumberland 
valley, sometimes called the Great Limestone valley. It 
is between fifteen and twenty miles in width, bending 



24 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

with the mountains. The southern part is formed of tran- 
sition limestone, the northern of clay slate ; the line of 
demarcation being nearly in the centre. The whc le ex- 
tent, within the state, is about one hundred and sixty miles. 

The limestone section is rather level, having a most pro- 
ductive soil. Planted with towns and villages, highly 
cultivated, and thickly populated, the inhabitants, pursuing 
the business of agriculture, enjoy, in rich profusion, the 
bounties of Providence. In all limestone countries, great 
inconveniencies result from the unequal distribution of 
water. While some portions are well supplied, others are 
so destitute, that the inhabitants are not able to procure 
enough for domestic purposes. The slate region is more 
hilly, and the soil less prolific. 

In the remainder of the transition, the soil is greatly di- 
diversified. It is good or bad, according as limestone is 
more or less prevalent. Throughout the region of anthra- 
cite coal, the country is unproductive, and may be pro- 
nounced sterile. 

The exceptions are, the alluvials, on the Delaware, Sus- 
quehanna, and their principal tributaries. Limited by the 
Susquehanna river on the east, and the Kittatinny moun- 
tain on the south, is a large tract of country, which seems 
to be foimded on limestone. Wherever it mingles with 
the soil, it produces great fertility, but, like all limestone 
countries, is subjected to the inconvenience of a very par- 
tial supply of water. 

The vegetable productions of the transition are greatly 
diversified. The forests abound with all the varieties of 
timber indigenous to the soil ; and the scenery is diver- 
sified by every variety, from the ripling rill, and shady 
grove, to the spreading vale, the towering mountain, and 
descending cataract. 

" The river navigation of the primitive and transition 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. 25 

formations, agreeable to their general character, is ob- 
structed by many rapids and falls ; and is liable to the 
freshets of mountain torrents, breaking through narrow 
and rocky passages, with all the extremes and inconve- 
niences of too much or too little water. 

" The secondary formation, extending from a line run- 
ning on or near the Allegheny mountain, may be stated 
as generally fertile ; for though the soil may be sandy on 
the hills, where the sand-stone prevails, it is uniformly rich 
in the valleys. In approaching the Allegheny from the 
eastward, it presents a bold and precipitous front ; and 
from two to five miles will bring the traveller to the sum- 
mit, whence the descent westward is scarcely percepti- 
ble. The Laurel Ridge is so steep, precipitous, and rug- 
ged, that it cannot be cultivated. Its scenery is wild, and 
aspect very forbidding. The Chesnut Ridge is, compara- 
tively, low, its appearance less savage, and its soil less 
forbidding. 

" The whole of Western Pennsylvania may be charac- 
terized as table land. The soil of the mountain valleys 
is well watered, and excellent. Leaving the mountains, 
the country consists of arable hills, or as it is commonly 
called, the rolling ground. Near the water courses, the 
hills are sometimes too steep for cultivation, although pos- 
sessing a fine soil, and clothed with a luxuriant growth of 
timber. 

" The general, nay, almost universal, fertility of Western 
Pennsylvania, must, of course, be ascribed to the constit- 
uents of the soil, which is a loam, having, in various pro- 
portions, limestone, slate, coal, gypsum, salt, and vegeta- 
ble and animal remains. Coal is often used as ma- 
nure." 



26 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

Q. What is the Geological formation of this state ? 

A. Geologists divide Pennsylvania into three great sec- 
tions, primitive, transition, and secondar) r . Though these 
divisions are strongly marked by the rocks which charac 
tesize them, they are, nevertheless, mixed with strata be- 
longing to other formations, as may be perceived from the 
Pennsylvania Gazetteer. 

"But none of these divisions, (primitive, transition, 
and secondary,) though composed, chiefly, of the rocks 
which characterize them, are unmixed with strata which 
Certain to some one of the other divisions. The secondary 
perhaps is the most uniform. 

The southeastern portion of the state is classed with the 
primitive formation; to which classification the small 
portion of alluvial, overlaying the primitive rock, should 
not be deemed an exception. 

The rocks of this formation, are Granite, Gneis, Mica 
Slate, Clay Slate, Primitive Limestone, Primitive Trap, 
Serpentine, Porphyry, Sienite, Topaz Rock, Quartz Rock, 
Primitive Flinty Slate, Primitive Gypsum, White Stone. 
The strata of these rocks run from a north and south, to a 
northeast and southwest direction, and dip generally to 
the southeast at an angle of more than forty-five degrees 
from the horizon ; the highest elevation is towards the 
northwestern limits, which gradually descends to the 
southeast, where it is covered by the alluvials ; and the 
greatest mass, as well as the highest mountains, are 
found towards the northern and southern extremities of 
the northwestern boundaries. The outline of the moun- 
tain of this formation, generally consists of circular, wav- 
ing, detached masses, with rounded flat tops ; or coni- 
cally waving in small pyramidal tops. 

Within the limits prescribed to the primitive, there 
are portions of transition and secondary formations. A 



OF PEXXSYLVANIA 27 

range of the latter passes three miles west of York by 
Hanover. 

This secondary appears to belong to the oldest red sand 
stone formation ; though in some places about Leesburg, 
Reading, &c, the red sand stone only seems as a cement 
to a pudding formed transition limestone, and other tran- 
sition pebbles, with some quartz pebbles, large beds of 
green stone trap, and wacke of different kinds, which 
leaves in many places this sand stone formation, and forms 
the small hills or long ridges that occur so frequently in 
it. The stratification, in most places, runs from an east 
and west, to a northeast and southwest course, and dips 
generally to the northwest, at an angle most irequently 
under twenty-five degrees from the horizon, covering 
both the primitive and transition formation at every place 
where their junction could be examined. In the red sand 
stone formation, copper pyrites, blend, and galena, have 
been found on the Perkiomen creek, running nearly south 
and north, across the east and west direction of the red 
sand stone ; and a small bed from a half to three inches 
thick, of brown or red copper ore, is interspersed, and 
follows the circular form of the iron bed at Grubb's 
mines. 

There is also within the prescribed limits of the primi- 
tive, a bed of transition rock, running nearly southwest 
from the Delaware to the Yadkin river, dipping generally 
to the southeast, 25 or more degrees, in width from two to 
fifteen miles. It runs from the west of Morrisville to the 
east of Morristown, passes Lancaster, York, Hanover, 
Frederickcity, Bull run mountain, Milton, foot of Pig 
river, Martinsville, and finishes near Mount Pilot on the 
Yadkin river. 

This vein is called secondary, by Mr. Darby. It is nar- 
row between the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers, but 
widening southwest from the latter, embraces the central 



28 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

parts of Chester, Lancaster, and York counties. It con* 
sists of beds of blue, grey, red and white, small grained 
transition lime stone, alternating with beds of greywacke 
and greywacke slate, quartzy granular rocks, and a 
great variety of transition rocks. Much of the limestone 
is intermixed with greywacke slate ; parts of it contain 
so great a quantity of small grained sand as to resemble 
the dolomite, and, in many places, marble ■ of various co- 
lours and quantities, some of which is in grained and 
white, fit for the statuary, occurs. 

Granite in large masses is not found in the state. The. 
principal rock is Gneis, which includes considerable beds, 
in places, of a very large grained granite, which run and 
dip as the Gneis does. In these beds, emeralds, phosphate 
of lime, tourmaline, garnet, cymophane, octahedral iron 
ore, graphic granite, &c. are found. These beds are mix- 
ed, and alternate occasionally in the same Gneis, with 
the primitive lime stone, hornblende, and hornblende slate, 
serpentine, magnetic iron ore and feldspar rocks. In some 
places the Gneis runs into the mica slate; in others, large 
nodules of quartz or feldspar, and in others, hornblende 
takes the place of mica; and probably all the primitive 
rocks may be found in the Gneis formation. The mineral 
substances found in the primitive, are garnets in the gra- 
nite and micate slate, from the size of a pin's head to ma- 
ny inches in diameter ; staurotide, andalusite, epidote, in 
vast variety and abundance, tremolite, all the varieties of 
magnesian rocks, emerald, &c. &c. And it is probable 
that almost every mineral discovered in similar situations 
on the ancient continent of Europe will be found on this. 
The metals in this formation are various ; such as iron in 
various forms, black lead, native and grey copper ore, mo- 
lybdena, arsenical pyrites, red oxide of zinc, gold to the 
south, manganese, north and south, white ore of Cobalt in 
Connecticut and New Jersey, &c. &c. These metallic re- 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. 29 

positories appear in beds, disseminated, or lying in masses. 
Veins to any great extent have not yet been discovered in 
this formation. 

The transition formation is limited on the southeast 
side, by the northwest boundary prescribed to the primi- 
tive rocks, and on the northwest by the southeast edge of 
the great secondary formation, on a line that passes con- 
siderably to the westward of the ridge, which divides the 
eastern and western waters, in Georgia and North Caro- 
lina, and part of Virginia ; and runs near it in the north- 
ern part of that state, and in the state of Pennsylvania 
and New Jersey. 

The line of demarcation runs between the Alabama and 
Tombigbee rivers to the northwestward of the north 
fork of the Holstein, till it joins the^AUegheny moun- 
tains, near the Sulphur Springs, along that dividing ridge 
to Bedford in Pennsylvania, and from thence northeast to 
Fort Ann, near lake Champlain. The separation of this 
from the secondary formation, is not so regularly and dis- 
tintly traced as in the other formations ; many large val- 
leys are found of horizontal secondary limestone, full of 
shells, whilst the ridges on each side consist of transition 
rocks. The two formations interlock and are mixed in 
many places so as to require much time and atten- 
tion to reduce them to their regular and proper limits. It 
is however probable, that to the northwest of the line here 
described, little or no transition will be found, although 
to the south of it, partial formations of secondary may 
occur. 

" The transition formation is generally broadest, where 
the primitive is narrowest, and vice versa; and runs from 
twenty to one hundred miles broad; the stratifaction 
bears from a north and south, to a northeast and 
southwest direction, dipping generally to the northwest, 
at an angle in most places under 45° from the horizon.' 1 — 
3* 



30 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

" The outline of the mountains of this formation, is almost 
a straight line, with few interruptions bounding long par- 
allel ridges of nearly the same height, declining gently to- 
wards the side where the stratification dips from the hori- 
zon, and more precipitous on the oposite side, where the 
edge of the stratum breaks out to the day." 

" This formation is composed of the following rocks, 
viz: a small grained transition limestone of all the shades 
of color from a white to a dark blue, and in some places 
intimately mixed with a stratum of greywacke slate, in 
many places an intermixture of small grained particles, 
having the appearance of a sand stone with excess of 
lime cement. This occurs in beds from fifty to five thou- 
sand feet in width, alternating with greywacke and grey- 
wacke slate. Near the borders of the primitive is found 
a silicious aggregate, having particles of a light blue col- 
or, from the size of a pin's head to an egg, disseminated in 
some places in a cement of slaty texture, and in others in 
quartzose cement ; fine sand stone cemented witn quartz 
in large masses, often of a slaty structure, with sir^H de- 
tached scales of mica intervening ; a rock not far from the 
borders of the primitive, partaking both of the porphyry 
and the greywacke, having both feldspar crystals and 
rounded pebbles in it, with a cement of a kind of dull 
chlorite slate in excess ; another, through rarer, with peb- 
bles and feldspar crystals in a compact petrosilicious ce- 
ment ; and a great variety of other rocks, which from 
their composition and situation, cannot be classed but with 
the transition." 

"The limestone, greywacke, and grey wacke slate, gen- 
erally occupy the valleys, and the quartzy aggregates, the 
ridges : amongst which is what is called the country burr 
stone, or mill stone grit; which must not be confounded 
with another rock, likewise denominated mill stone grit, 
which is a small grained granite, with much quartz, found 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. 31 

in the primitive formation. There are many and exten- 
sive caves in the limestone of this formation, where the 
bones of various animals are found." 

"Beds of Coalblende or Anthracite accompanied by al- 
umslate, and black chalk, have been discovered in this 
formation, in Rhode Island, and in immense quantities on 
and near the Lehigh, Schuylkill and Susquehanna rivers ; 
and a large body of alumslate, on Jackson's river Virginia 
and in several places in Pennsylvania ; many considera- 
ble veins of the sulphate of barytes cross it in different 
places. Iron and lead are the principal metals found in 
this formation ; the lead, in the form of Galena, in clusters; 
the iron, disseminated in pyrites, hematitic and magnetic 
iron, or in beds; and considerable quantities of the spar- 
ry iron ore in beds, and disseminated in the limestone." 

The Southeast limit of the secondary formation is 
bounded by the irregular and ill defined border of the 
transition, from between the Alabama and Tombigbee 
rivers to Fort Ann, near Lake Champlain. On the north- 
\ve? f ~ide, it follows the shores of the great lakes and loses 
itself in the alluvial of the great Basin of the Mississippi 
from two hundred to five hundred miles in bredth, and 
extending probably on the west of that river, to the foot 
of the stony mountains. 

Immense beds of secondary limestone, of all the shades 
from a light blue to a black, interrupted in some places by 
extensive tracts of sand stone, and other secondary aggre- 
gates appear to constitute the foundation of this formation 
on which reposes the great and valuable coal formation 
extending from^the head waters of the Ohio in Pennsyl- 
vania, with some interruption, all the way to the waters 
of the Tombigbee, accompanied by the usual attendants,, 
slaty clay, and freestone with vegetable impressions, &c. 
but in no instance covered by, or alternative with, any 



32 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

rock, resembling basalt, or indeed any of those called the 
newest floetz trap formation." 

" Along the southeast boundaries not far from the transi- 
tion, a rock salt, and gypsum formation has been found." 
And in western Pennsylvania, salt has been discovered 
between the Allegheny mountain and the Ohio, in very 
many places, and may perhaps be obtained in that district 
at the distance of from 500 to 750 feet from the surface. 

Metallic substances, heretofore found in this formation, 
are ironpyrites, disseminated both in the coal and lime- 
stone ; iron ores, consisting principally of brown, sparry, 
and clay iron stone in beds ; galena, but whether in beds 
or veins has not been ascertained." 

Large detached masses of granite, are found lying on 
this formation from Harmony to Erie, and from thence by 
the Genessee country to Fort Ann ; though in many pla- 
ces, no granite of this kind has been found in places near- 
er than two hundred miles, at the falls of the Mohawk, or 
perhaps on the north side of the lakes. 

The great mineral treasures of Pennsylvania, are coal 
iron, and salt ; all these are abundant, and with her agri- 
culture will form the principal sources of her future pros- 
perity. The Anthracite coal is found in the transition for- 
mation, and with some inconsiderable exceptions in that 
which is east of the Susquehanna river. Its present known 
limit on the north, is in the Tunkhannock mountain, on 
the sources of the Lackawanna river and on the confines 
of Susquehanna, Wayne and Luzerne counties. It ex- 
tends thence, along the valley of that stream to the Wyo- 
ming valley ; thence through the Wyoming valley to the 
hills near Berwick, on the Susquehanna river, making to- 
gether a distance of eighty miles. This coal tract is from 
half a mile to five miles wide, and is estimated at an aver- 
age width of two miles; through the whole of which, coal 
is found in strata of from five to fifty feet thick. Estima- 



OF P.EJM*M:ri\AraA. 33 

ting the average thickness of the stratum ol coal at twelve 
feet, (which is said to be less than the truth) this field con- 
tains 1,395,870,000 tons«of coal, which with all the appli- 
ances which could reasonably be given, could not be ex- 
hausted in ten thousand years.* 

Another coal field is know to exist, embracing the south 
eastern section of Luzerne county, and a portion of 
the southwestern part of Northampton county, and ex- 
tending thence westward to the Susquehanna river, by 
Bucks and Cattawissa mountains, the probable northern 
boundary of the field, and along Spring mountain, and 
the Mahony mountains, the probable southern boundary 
through Schuylkill, Columbia and Northumberland coun- 
ties, also to the Susquehanna river. This field has not 
been thoroughly explored, its width may be more than 
seven miles, and its length from the Lehigh to the Susque- 
hanna rivers more than sixty miles. At Beaver Meadow, 
north of the Spring mountain in Northampton county, 
and at many places along the valley of the Mahony, coal 
in great abundance and of excellent quality, is found in 
strata of perhaps 50 feet in thickness, has been opened to 
the day, and efforts are makeing to bring it from these 
points to market. 

Another very extensive coal measure, if another it may 
be called, commences on the right bank of the Lehigh 
river, at the Mauch Chunk mountain, in Northampton 
county, and extends thence through Schuylkill and Dau- 
phin counties to the Susquehanna, a distance of not 
less than 75 miles. This measure is bounded on the 
southwest by a mountain chain, which we believe bears 
the name of Mahoning, near the Lehigh, Sharp mountain 
from its configuration, in Schuylkill county, and from its 



* View of Judge Scott. 



34 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

relative position, is the third mountain in Dauphin coun- 
ty. On the northwest its Jimit may be the Broad mountain, 
which has a continuous course by*that name across, and 
from the Lehigh river through Schuylkill county, and ends 
in. Lyken's township, Dauphin county, where it is called 
the Short mountain. The width of this tract is variable, av- 
eraging about six miles. It embraces the mines of the Nes- 
quihoning, Mauch Chunk, Tamaqua, the Schuylkill, of 
Potts grove and its vicinity, of the West Branch of the 
Schuylkill, of Pine Grove, and Swatara, and of Stony 
Creek, Bear Meadow, and other places of Dauphin coun- 
ty. We have said, in conformity with an opinion gener- 
ally expressed, that the Sharp mountain, forms the south- 
east boundary of the coal region throughout its whole ex- 
tent. But, this is disproved by the fact, that anthracite 
has been discovered in all the ridges, in greater or less 
quantities, north of the Kittatinny mountain, in Dauphin 
county. The northwestern limit of the region generally, 
is along the Susquehanna river, but the coal basin of Luz- 
erne county, runs under that stream, and the coal is seen 
in the bed of the river, and in the Shawnee mountain on the 
northwest of the river. And we have been informed that 
it has been discovered, some miles more to the southwest. 
Coal has not yet been discovered in Pennsylvania north- 
east of the Lehigh river ; but as it is an unexplored region 
of the same geological character, as the anthracite district, 
it may yet be discovered in that direction. 

With the exception of a vein of anthracite, said to have 
been recently discovered in the Delaware water Gap, that 
mineral is not known to occur, within ten miles of the 
Kittatinny mountain, or of the Shawangunk, a part of the 
same chain which presents similar rocks. 

The anthracite region is in a great measure covered by 
mountains running parallel with the Kittatinny, often 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. ] 35 

broad, with table land summits, and rising generally about 
1500 feet above the ocean. 

The beds and veins of anthracite range from northeast 
to southwest, and may often be traced for a considerable 
distance by the compass. The veins have the inclination 
of the adjacent strata of greywacke, with which they often 
alternate, usuallybetween 20 and 45 degrees. In some 
places they are horizontal, in others vertical, in others in 
basins ; and the strata of particular mines generally have 
the form of the upper surface, immediately over them : 
and are therefore sometimes curved, or irregular, or sad- 
dle, or mantle shaped, and some times dome shaped. The 
beds and veins of coal have commonly narrow strata, of 
dark colored, fine grained argillaceous slate, for roof 
and floor ; which generally contains sulpharet of iron, and 
disingerates on exposure to the air. The sulphates of iron 
& alumine are often observed in this schist, and it frequent- 
ly presents impressions of plants, and sometimes marine 
shells. Impure pulverulent coal is generally connected 
with this slate. The quality of the coal varies in different 
parts of this region, density and inflammability. It is in 
many places injurously affected by the admixture of slate ; 
others it has so little coherence, that it cannot be profita- 
bly transported. That upon the Lehigh is said to be pur- 
er than that in the vicinity of the Schuylkill ; but if this be 
true, the defect is perhaps overbalanced by the superior 
inflammability of the latter. That in Dauphin county is 
reported to possess so much inflamable matter, that it has 
been mistaken for bituminous coal. 

The bituminous coal region of the state is almost, per- 
haps wholly, within the secondary formation. If such be 
the fact, that formation extends, in the southern part of 
the state, much farther east of the great Allegheny chain, 
since bituminous coal is found abundantly east of the 
Kaystown branch of the Juniata river in Huntingdon and 






36 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

Bedford counties. West of that mountain, it is found al- 
most every where from the northern to the southern 
boundary of the state, and if wanting any where, it is in 
the northwest corner. It has been traced from Bedford 
and Tioga counties, to Maryland, and may be found in 
every hill on the western line from Crawford county south- 
ward. It occurs on the Allegheny mountain, at a consid- 
erable elevation, and elsewhere, in nearly a horizontal po- 
sition, alternating with grey sand stone, which is often mi- 
caceous, and bordered by argillaceous schist. The veins 
are generally shallow, varying from one inch to six feet in 
thickness. The mean depth is about five feet. The beds 
most proximate to the eastern market are Lycoming and 
Clearfield counties : to reach those of the former, was a 
principal inducement for making the state canal along the 
west branch of the Susquehanna river, to the mouth of 
the Bald Eagle creek. 

Iron ore occurs in various parts of Pennsylvania. — 
But it is found in the greatest abundance, and of the 
best quality, in the extensive calcerous valleys situ- 
ated between the ridges of the Appalachian mountains, 
particularly in the counties of Centre, Huntingdon, and 
Mifflin. It is mostly raised from beds of argillaceous 
earth, resting on limestone. The best ores of iron in 
this country exist in or adjacent to calcareous districts. 
The iron manufactured in the above named counties, un- 
der the name of Juniata iron, is distinguished for tenacity, 
malleability, and other valuable qualities. About fifty per 
centum of iron in pigs is extracted from the Juniata ore, 
and it loses one-third in passing from the bloom to the 
bar iron. In western Pennsylvania, iron ore is much less 
abundant than coal, and it is also very extensively manu- 
factured; but soft bar iron, we understand, cannot be 
made from ores west of the Allegheny mountain. Upon 
the east of the Susquehanna, in the transition region, 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

iron and anthracite coal are rarely found contigtioi 
each other. 

We have already observed, that rock salt pervaded 
extensively, the whole of the great secondarj' formation,? 
Salt springs are common in various parts of westc: 
sylvania. The water is generally weak near the s-t 
but it is very strong when produced from the 
three hundred and fifty to seven hundred feet. One . : : 
containing as much salt as the waters of SaHna, h i 
discovered by boring, about 20 miles from Montr; 
Susquehanna county, bordering on the state of Nc ;/ York 
Salt springs are found on several of the tributar 
west branch of the Susquehanna, as on the Loyalse 
Lycoming county, and on the Sinnemahoning in < 
field county ; on the Clarion river or Toby's ere I 
Armstrong and Venango counties ; on the sources 
Conneautte creek in Crawford count} ; on the L 
Conequenessing creeks, in Butler county ; on 1 
creek, in Beaver county, and very frequently in 
ern counties, as far east as Bedford county. Bu 
productive saline springs of Pennsylvania, are oii 
banks of the Conemaugh, Kiskiminitas, and 
rivers; and upon the last, about 30 miles above I 
burg. 

In considering the adaptation of the soils of Pen 
for agriculture, the geological divisions furni.so the 
convenient form of classification. Wc have see 
state consists principally of the transition and seco; 
formations, having a small quantity of primitive, e 
the mountains ; and from these causes, it contains the 
greater quantity of good lands, in proportion to its sur- 
face, of any of the Atlantic states. The primitive does 
not extend more than 25 miles N. W. from the S. E. bor- 
der of the state. The soil is light and indifferent wfeere 
the Gneis, granite or serpentine prevails, The limestone 

4 



39 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

may form a tolerable soil, as the country, though brokes, 
is not hilly, and has nothing that can be called a moun- 
tain. 

The extensive transition formation which succeeds the 
primitive, occupies nearly seventy miles in breadth to the 
top of the dividing ridge between the western and the 
eastern waters, which forms the summit of the Allegheny 
mountains. In this place the transition is wider than in 
any other part of our range of mountains, and is only 
interrupted for about 20 or 30 miles between Norristown 
and Reading, by being covered with the oldest red sand- 
stone formation. The soil through the whole of this tract, 
when level, is tolerably good ; where formed by the allu- 
vial of the rivers, it is generally rich and fertile ; but the 
quartzy and silicious aggregates, which most frequently 
occupy the mountains, decompose into light sandy soil, 
though the valleys between the mountains are rich and 
productive. 

The vein, S. E. of the old red sandstone called by .Mr, 
Maclure transition, and by Mr. Darby secondary, is nar- 
row between the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers, but wi- 
dens S. W. from the latter, comprehending the central 
parts of Chester, Lancaster, and York counties. Lime- 
stone and marble, of very superior quality, abound in 
this formation, and consequently the soil is very produc- 
tive ; of which the Great Valley of Chester county affords 
the most delightful and satisfactory testimony. In the 
primitive, S. E. of this valley in Chester county, we are 
informed that small beds of limestone are found, which 
add much to the strength of the neighboring soils. 

The valley between the Blue Ridge and the Kittatinny 
mountain, sometimes called the Kittatinny valley, and also 
known as the great limestone valley of Pennsylvania, is 
from 15 to 20 miles wide, inflecting with the mountains. 
It is nearly equally divided between the limestone an^ 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. 39 

-slate formations, its whole length. The section within the 
state is about 160 miles in length, and covers an area of 
near 3000 square miles. The S. E. part is formed of tran- 
sition limestone, the N. W. of clay slate. On the Lehigh, 
the limestone and slate touch at a place called the Slates, 
seven or eight miles above Allentown. Thence the line of 
separation extends S. W., through Berks county; leaving 
Kutztown on the limestone, crosses the Schuylkill nearly 
midway between Reading and Hamburg, and the Tulpe- 
hocken N. E. of Womelsdorff, leaving the latter upon the 
limestone ; thence through Lebanon county, leaving the 
borough of Lebanon upon the limestone, and reaching the 
Swatara near the mouth of the Q,uitapahilla. From the 
latter creek to Hummelstown, in Dauphin county, the 
Swatara forms the boundary, generally. That village and 
its immediate vicinity is based on limestone, and imme- 
diately at the bridge over the Swatara, on the road to 
Harrisburg, the Swatara leaves the slate and pursues the 
residue of its course to the Susquehanna, over limestone. 
-Tne division line between limestone and slate, follows a 
S. W. course from Hummelstown to the mouth of Paxton 
creek, near the borough of Harrisburg, which rests on the 
alluvial deposite, partly on the slate, and partly on the 
limestone. S. W. of this point, on the Susquehanna, to 
the Maryland boundary, the demarcation between the 
limestone and slate, curves with the contiguous mountains, 
leaving on the former rock in Cumberland county, Car- 
lisle and Shippensburg, and in Franklin county, Cham- 
bersburg and Greencastle, — and it quits Pennsylvania 
nearly with the Conecocheaque creek. 

This limestone section is comparatively level, with a 
very superior soil, — studded with towns and villages, ex- 
tremely well cultivated, and inhabited by a large popula- 
tion, enjoying in profusion the comforts of life — pursuing 



GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

-tie exception, the business of agriculture. As in 

e countries, spring water reaches the 

earth at distant points, and in very unequal 

ties, leaving intermediate spaces so deficient, as to 

ssing to the inhabitants. The slate region is more 

le limestone, and its soil of inferior quality; 

ome measure compensated, by the great 

bichit may be cultivated, and when the lime 

;e soil shall be extended, it. is probable 

■roduct of the slate will equal that of the lime- 

.lets. Water is more equally diffused over the 

he latter. In respect to forest timber, nc 

ing difference is observable. 

sr of the transition formation N. W. of the 
tiany mountain, varies considerably in agricultural 
, winch seems to be determined pretty much by the 
tity of limestone which blends with the soil. East 
e north branch of the Susquehanna river, throughout 
racite region, the whole country may be pro- 
ved sterile, with the exception of the alluvia] fa*£ of 
the Delaware and Susquehanna rivers, and their greater 
ttaries. West of the Susquehanha river, and north 
of the Kittatinny mountain, the country would seem to be 
fersafly based on limestone; it fills most of the prim 
valleys, and is believed to underlay the mountains. 
/ever it degenerates into soil, that soil is fertile, but 
frequently subjected to the inconvenience we have already 
-ioned, the unequal distribution of water. The 
mountains, composed of slate and sand stone, are gene- 
rally barren. There are valleys, however, where the lime- 
stone does not appear, which are rendered very fertile by 
the alluvion from the mountains. 

The river navigation of the primitive and transition 
formations, agreeable to their general character, is ob- 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. 41 

structed by many rapids and falls"; and is liable to the 
freshets of mountain torrents, breaking through narrow 
and rocky passages, with all the extremes and inconve- 
nience of too much or too little water. 

The secondary formation^ extending from a line run- 
ning on or near the Allegheny mountain, may be stated 
as generally fertile ; for though the soil may be sandy on 
the hills where the sand stone prevails, it is uniformly 
rich in the valleys. It loses little of the vegetable mould 
by washing, owing to its general horizontal position ; 
and the accumulation of such vegetable manure is in 
proportion to the time the trees have been growing on 
the soil. 

That portion of the surface of this district between 
the Allegheny mountain and the Chesnut Ridge, contains 
all of it that is mountainous ; but these mountains par- 
take of the character of the formation in the position of 
the strata, and character of the soil. 

In approaching the Allegheny from, the eastward, it 
presents a bold and precipitous front ; and from two . to 
five miles will bring the traveller to the summit, whence 
the descent westward is scarcely perceptible; Much of 
it might be called table land, for even on the summit, 
tracts of level, and frequently excellent land extend for 
miles, in which are many fine farms, the soil of which . 
though somewhat cold, repays the labor of cultivation. 
The Laurel Hill, next west c f the Allegheny, is little be- 
low the latter in height. It is so steep, rugged, and pre- 
cipitous that it cannot be cultivated. Its scenery is wild, 
and its aspect very forbidding. 

The whole of western Pennsylvania might be charac- 
terized as table land ; low water mark at Pittsburg is one 
hundred and fifty-two feet above Lake Erie; seven 
hundred and twenty-seven above the Hudson at Albany, 
4* 



42 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISxH 

and seven hundred and fifty-six feet above the Atlantic 
ocean at Cape May. The apices of the highest range 
of hills are about twelve hundred feet above tide water 
level in the Chesapeake. The soil of the mountain val- 
leys is well watered and excellent. 

Leaving the mountains, the country consists of ara- 
ble hills, or, as it is commonly called, rolling ground. 
Near the water courses, the hills are sometimes too 
steep for cultivation, although possessing a fine soil, and 
clothed with a luxuriant growth of timber. This de- 
scription embraces the greater part of Westmoreland, 
the western part of Fayette, Washington, Allegheny, 
Beaver, and Indiana. The three first named counties 
have the finest land; and Washington is placed first in 
rank. Mercer, Crawford, and Erie, have large bodies of 
level land of excellent quality ; better adapted to grass 
than grain. Butler, Armstrong, Venango, and Warren, 
have soils so various, that it is difficult to give them a 
general character. Whilst large bodies might be pro- 
nounced almost worthless, and others deemed valuable 
only for their timber, there are extensive tracts which 
will not suffer comparison with any land in Pennsyl- 
vania. 
,. Q. What are the minerals of this state t 

A. The most important are iron ore, Anthracite, Bk 
'tuminous and some Kennel coal, the latter lately discov- 
ered by Prof. Rogers. In no part of the world is coal so 
plentifully found as in Pennsylvania. The western part 
is abundantly supplied with bituminous, and the eastern 
part with anthracite, this district containing this is princi- 
pally occupied by mountains running parallel to the blue 
ridge, often very broad, with table summits, and rising 
-generally from 1200 to 1500 feet above the ocean, and that 
iis found on the rivers Conemaugh, Allegheny, Mononga 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. 43 

hela, Ohio, and in numerous places, west of the Allegheny 
ridge — it is found in Huntingdon and Bediord county east 
of the Raystown branch of the Juniata. 

The following extract from Hazard's Register will show 
the importance of the coal trade of Pennsylvania. 

" The coal trade of Pennsylvania, recently and suddenly 
starting into existence, now constitutes one of the main 
branches of our domestic industry, and an important por- 
tion of the commerce of the state and the Union. It has 
given a new stimulus to individual, as well as national en- 
terprise, and affords active and profitable employment for 
numerous and various classes of the community. It has 
introduced a spirit of improvement, interspersing the coun- 
try with canals and Rail-roads, which by connecting the 
distant parts together, promote the convenience and pros- 
perity of the people, while they add to the strength, and 
elevate the character of the state. It has raised up, in our 
formerly barren and uninhabited districts, an intelligent 
permanent population, and converted the mountains into 
theatres of busy life, and our hitherto waste and valueless 
lands into sites for flourishing and populous villages. It 
has opened a new field for the investment of capital, the 
expenditure of labor, and the persuit of all the purposes 
of civilization and society. Its benefits are not alone con- 
fined to those engaged immediately in the trade, but are 
becoming general and universal. Possessing all the varie- 
ties of their species, anthracite and bituminous, furnish- 
ing a cheap and preferable article of fuel; and affording 
new facilities to the manufacturer. The mineral coal of 
Pennsylvania now exerts an influence on every other 
branch of trade, affording the means of rearing, and per- 
manently supporting on this side the Atlantic, all the me- 
chanical arts and handicrafts of the old world." 

Q. Is iron ore abundant and of a good quality ? 

A. It is abundant and of a good quality,, there are about 



44 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

60,000 tons of iron manufactured anually. The best iron 
ore is found in abundance in the calcerous valley between 
the ridges of the Appalachian mountains, particularly in 
Huntingdon, Centre and Mifflin counties. — A good quality 
is also found in many other counties, indeed in almost 
every county in the state, in Cumberland, Perry. &c. 
&c. There are about seventy-five furnaces in Pennsyl- 
vania. 
, Q. Are there any other important minerals ? 

A. Copper ore, in a variety of combinations, is found in 
many places among the mountains. — there is some in Ad- 
ams county, at Perkiomen Montgomery county. And I 
have seen a good quality obtained in Berks county. There 
is also an abundance of lead in some parts of the state. 
There is a lead mine at Perkiomen. " There is some Zinc 
molybdena, titanum, &c, Sulphate of baryta has been 
found in Bucks county, and recently explored to some 
extent. Gypsum and hydraulic cement exist in immense 
quantities.*" White and variagated marble abound in 
Chester and Montgomery, and other building stones, as 
the common limestone, free-stone, granite and gneis rocks, 
slate, &c. There are quarries of slate in York, Lancas- 
ter and Wayne counties. Rock slate is found very 
extensively in the western part of this state. Alum also 
abounds. 

Q. Are there any mineral springs in this state ? 
I A. There are many of the salt and other mineral springs. 
The salt springs are productive, and among the most pro- 
ductive are those near the margins of the Conemaugh Al- 
legheny and Ohio rivers. 

The resources for the manufacture of salt in Pennsyl- 
vania seem to be inexhaustable. The capital employed,. 



* Trego's Report. 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. 45 

cannot be less, at a fair estimate, than 500,000, and the 
amount of salt annually manufactured, cannot be less 
than 650 : 000. The cost per bushel does not exceed 13 

cents. 

There are also mineral springs, called medical mineral- 
springs. The most noted are the Bedford springs, dis- 
covered in 1804. They arise from a lime stone rock, at 
the fort of Dunnings moimtain. There are several springs 
there all said to possess curative powers, efficacious in 
removing cutaneous and chronic complaints. The princi- 
pal medical spring is Anderson's ; another is called Fletch- 
er's or the upper spring ; the limestone spring ; the sul- 
pher spring, and the Chalybeat spring. The waters are 
charged with iron, magnesia and lime. There are sever- 
al other medical springs in this state ; the sulpher springs, 
near Carlisle; the warm springs Perry county, and the 
York sulpher springs, Adams county. Another 4 miles 
from Pittsburg. Dr. Mead recommends the water. 

Q. Are there any caves ? 

A. In £h£ fjSUVSl mountain is one with a very narrow 
entrance, and various winding pasages, which has been 
traversed two miles. It is formed of a soft sand stone, 
and its roof is lined with bats. There is another at Dur- 
ham Bucks county about 50 miles from Philadelphia. It 
is vulgarly called the Devil's hole. Three or four per- 
sons, may enter abreast — the cave is divided into three 
great apartments, communicating with each other, by 
steep and rugged passages — it abounds with small pools 
and rivulets of water. At Carlisle is another, on the 
banks of the Cannoquoquinet about two miles north of the 
town. The entrance is by a semicircular archway, seven 
feet high in a limestone rock, of 20 feet perpendicular ele- 
vation — it extends about 95 yards — it has several small 
pools. This cavern is dark and damp, and must be exam- 
ined by a torch light. Slatactical carbonite of lime a- 



46 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

bounds in it. The writer procured some fine specimens in 
this cave and forwarded them to Philadelphia to exchange 
at their school lyceum. 

There are several othe£ caves in Cumberland county, 
to describe which would occupy too much space. There 
is also a very extensive cave in Mifflin county, called 
Hanniwal's cave, having a depth of 100 rods. Considera- 
ble saltpetre has been obtained from it. 

There is another remarkable cave in Franklin county, 
near the base of the north mountain. It is described as 
being a very beautiful one and may be regarded as a 
great curiosity. The following is a brief description of 
its discovery and its grandeur and beauty : "A gentle- 
man, living near the mountain, was about to dig for wa- 
ter. Perceiving a very large spring, issuing out of a rock 
at the foot of a hill of considerable height, and a kind of 
sink hole, he there commenced digging, hoping to come 
on the stream, and proceeded but a few feet, when he 
could plainly hear the water running, seemingly with 
great rapidity ; and at the distance of about twenty feet 
from the surface, he reached it, at the lower extremity of 
the fissure in the rock, which immediately expanded into 
a large and beautiful cavern, the entrance of which is 
partially obstructed *by largs rocks which after advan- 
cing a little distance, entirely disappear, and instead of 
scattered rubbish, solid rocks appear enamelled with spar 
of different colors. In every direction are to be seen the 
most beautiful icicles, (stalactites) suspended from its no- 
ble, and in some places, majestic ceiling. Concretions, 
without number, and of almost every color, size, and di- 
mension, are seen pointing downwards from the ceiling, 
and inwards from the sloping walls— some white, some 
red, some brown, some green, and others transparent as 
glass, and all solid as marble. They threaten the curious 
adventurer with being torn to pieces by the craggy points 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. 47 

if he attempts penetrating any farther, and indeed, in some 
places, he is obliged to proceed in a stooping position, in 
order to avoid them. Continuing up this subterraneous 
passage, you are obliged to walk in the run nearly all the 
way. 

Parts of the run are sometimes dry, yet it is evident 
from its bed, and other visible marks, that at some seasons 
of the year, the water must flow through the different 
channels in large quantities. 

There are, in the principal channel, several falls, which 
might very properly be denominated cataracts. The ex- 
tent of the cave is, as yet, unknown, as it has been but 
partially explored ; the greatest distance any person has 
yet penetrated, is about 800 feet, at which place there 
was no appearance of its termination. In ascending the 
cave, the eye is most agreeably struck with its grandeur, 
At every step new wonders presents themselves. Here, 
the spar is formed into trees, shrubs, &c. Which makes 
it have the appearance of a petrified grove. In some pla- 
ces, the spar is formed into the likeness of men, birds, 
beasts, organs, &c. And in one place, raised on a pedes- 
tal, is a striking resemblance of a half-unfurled flag. Be- 
sides these, there are hundreds of other similitudes, of 
which I shall not attempt a dercription. When we first 
saw them, we were only surprised at their diversity and 
beauty, but on a more minute examination, were struck 
with amazement, knowing them to be mere productions 
of nature, which hitherto, in solitary silence, had, in her 
playful moments, unseen and unheard, dressed the scene, 
as if for her own amusement." 

There are some others in the state which we cannot no- 
tice for the want of space. 

Q. What are the forest trees, and natural produc- 
tions ? 
A. The most common trees are oak, hickery, chesnut. 



43 



GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 



walnut, maple, beech, birch, poplar, cherry, ash, elm, sas- 
safras, sumach, elder, pine, spruce, fir, hemlock, cedar, 
locust, laurel, mulberry, cucumber, crabapple, thorn; there 
are no less than 15 varieties of oak, 6 or 7 of pine. There 
are also many wild grapes. We shall notice other trees 
not mentioned here, in the descriptions of the several 
counties, 

Q. How is the climate ? 

A. It is generally supposed that the climate of this state 
has undergone, and is still undergoing a very material 
change — that thunder and lightening are less frequent 
the cold of our winters, and summers heat, are becoming 
less uniform — the springs colder and at times more cle- 
ment ; and that there is less cold in the winter and less 
heat in the summer than sixty or seventy years ago. Judg- 
ing, however, from the late past winters, this notion 
seems not to be well founded. 

The early part of spring is generally changeable, 
stormy, and cold; in April, and tre early part of May, 
the atmosphere is damp and cool. But at the close of 
May all nature smiles to meet the pleasant morning of 
June — it is then that the country is luxuriantly dressed in 
its verdant garb and floral trim. While the weather is 
frequently lustrated by the vivid flashing cloud's rich affu- 
sion, amid the peals of loud thunder. But when the rich 
crowned autumn approaches, then we have the most de- 
lightful season in the year. 

" Early in September, we perceive a gradual diminu- 
tion of heat, cool evenings and mornings, and an agreea- 
ble temperature during the day. With a slow, but gradual 
increase of cold, the weather continues very pleasant till 
the last of October, or middle of November. About that 
time, the autumn is generally closed by a succession of 
rains, which are regarded as the harbingers of winter. It 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. 49 

ffllist, however, be acknowledged, that all the seasons are 
subject to great, and very sudden changes. 

It is said, there has been a very considerable diminu- 
tion of water in Pennsylvania, that some streams, which 
were formerly good mill seats, are now dry. This is sup- 
posed to be owing to the removal of the forests, and con- 
sequent increase of evaporation. 

It is thought that western Pennsylvania, is subject to 
greater changes, than the eastern part of the state. The 
extremes of heat and cold are known to be greater. — 
In the winter, the N. W. wind sweeps over the land 
with uninterrupted violence, having neither mountains 
to interrupt its force, nor sea to soften its rigour. The 
lakes of ice and regions of snow, over which it passes, 
serve to increase the intensity of cold. The prevailing 
wind in summer is from the S. W. Coming from the 
Gulf of Mexico, it follows the great valley of the Mis- 
sissippi, for nearly two thousand miles, bringing with it 
an increased temperature. This accounts for the excess 
of heat and cold, with which this part of the state is 
visited. The whole of western Pennsylvania is remarka- 
bly healthy. 

Q. What is the average quantity of water that falls 
yearly in Pennsylvania ? 

A. The average quantity of water which falls yearly is 
from 24 to 26 inches, according to the statement of Dr. 
Rush. But this would seem much too small, since a table 
of 20 years, from 1810 to 1829, inclusive, 14 of which were 
kept by P. Legeaux, Esq., at Spring Mills, and six at the 
Pennsylvania Hospital, gives 35-16 inches; and a table 
for ten years ending 1827, kept by Dr. Darlington, of West 
Chester, gives 49-92 inches. In the first table, the highest 
was 43-135 inches in 1814, and the lowest 23.354 in 1819 

In the last table, the highest was 54-1 inches in 1824 r 
the lowes, 39-3, in 1822. 

5 



50 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

Q,. Can you give me a brief account of the Government 
of this State ? 

A. The existing constitution of Pennsylvania, was a- 
dopted September 23, 1790. The legislative power is vest- 
ed in a General Assembly, which consists of a Senate 
and House of Representatives. No person shall be a rep- 
resentative, who shall not have attained the age of 21 
years, and have been a citizen and inhabitant of the state 
three years next preceding his election, and the last year 
thereof an inhabitant of the city or county in which he 
shall be chosen ; unless he shall have been absent on the 
public business of the United States or of this state. Rep- 
resentatives are chosen annually. The senators shall be 
chosen for four years by the citizens of Philadelphia, and 
of the several counties, at the same time, in the same man- 
ner, and at the same place where they shall vote for repre- 
sentatives. No person shall be a senator who shall not 
have attained the age of 25 years, and have been a citizen 
and inhabitant of the state four years next before his 
election, and the last year thereof an inhabitant of the 
district for which he shall have been chosen ; unless he 
shall have been absent on public business of the United 
States or of this state. The senators shall be chosen in 
in districts, to be formed by the legislature; each district 
containing such a number of taxable inhabitants as shall 
be entitled to elect not more than four senators. When a 
district is composed of two or more counties, they shall 
be adjoining. Neither the city of Philadelphia, nor any 
county, shall be divided in forming a district. In elections 
by the citizens, every freeman of the age of 21 years, hav- 
ing resided in the state two years next before the elec- 
tion, and within that time have paid a state or county tax, 
which shall have been assessed at least six months before 
the election, shall enjoy the light of an elector. An enu- 
meration of the taxable inhabitants shall be made sepa- 



OF PENNSYLVANIA . 5 1 

rately in such manner as shall be directed by law. Such 
enumerations have been made in 1793, 1800, 1807, &c. up 
to 1835. The supreme executive power shall be vested 
in a Governor, who shall be chosen on the second Tues- 
day of October, by the citizens of the commonwealth, at 
the place where they shall respectively vote for represen- 
tatives. The person having the highest number of votes 
shall be Governor. But, if two or more shall be equal 
and highest in votes, one of them shall be chosen Gov- 
ernor by the joint vote of the members of both houses. 
The Governor shall hold his office during three years 
from the third Tuesday of December, next ensuing his 
election ; and shall not be capable of holding it longer 
than 9 3^ears in any term of 12 years. He shall be at least 
30 years of age, and have been a citizen and inhabitant of 
this state seven years next before his election ; unless he 
shall have been absent on the public business of the U. 
States, or of this state. No member of Congress, or 
person holding any office under the United States or this 
state, shall exercise the office of Governor. The Governor 
shall be commander-in-chief of the army and navy o^ 
the commonwealth, and the militia ; except when they 
shall be called into the actual service of the U. States. — 
He shall appoint all officers whose offices are established 
by the constitution of the commonwealth, or are created 
by law, and whose appointments are not otherwise pro- 
vided for. He shall have power to remit fine 5 and for- 
feitures, and grant reprieves and pardons, except in 
cases of impeachment. Every bill, which shall have pass- 
ed both houses of the General Assembly, shall be present- 
ed to the Governor. If he approve, he shall sign it, but 
if he shall not approve, he shall return it, with his excep- 
tions, to the house in which it shall have originated, and 
must be first examined in that house, and sent to the 
other, with the Governor's objections. And if the bill be 
approved by two-thirds of each house, it shall, not with- 



[,2 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

standing the Governor's exceptions, become a law. Any 
bill sent to the Governor and not returned in ten days, 
Sundays excepted, becomes also a law. 

The judicial power is vested in a Supreme Court, 
in courts of Oyer and Terminer and General Jail De- 
livery, in a court of Common Pleas, Orphan's Court, 
Register's Court, and a court of Quarter Sessions of the 
peace for each county, in Justices of the Peace, &c. The 
state is divided into 16 judicial circuits, overeach of which 
is appointed a President Judge. For the Supreme Court 
five districts have been formed. The jurisdiction of the 
Supreme t^ourt extends over the state, and the judges 
thereof are, by virtue of their offices, justices of Oyer 
and Terminer and General Jail Delivery, in the several 
counties. The trial by jury in issues of fact, to remain 
i inviolate. No person who acknowledges the being of a 
God, and a future state of rewards and punishments, 
shail, on account of his religious sentiments, be disquali- 
fied to hold any office, or place ot trust or profit, in 
this commonwealth. 

Q. What is the population of Pennsylvania ? 
A. The following table exhibits the population of Penn- 
sylvania, according to the late census : 

Of 5 years, and under 10, 188,918 
Of 10 " 15, 162,462 

Of 15 " 20, 149,089 

Of 20 " 30, 240,992 

Of 30 « 40, 144,776 

Of 40 and upwards, 561,996 



Total, 1,348,233 

Of these, there are 37,930 free colored people, and 403 
slaves. 

The population of this state is rapidly increasing. In 
1700, the population was 20,000 ; in 1757, 200,000 ; 1790. 



■ OP-PENNSYLVANIA, 



53 



439,373, including 3,737 slaves; in 1800, 602,545; in 1810, 
800,091; in 1820, 1,049,313; in 1830, 1,348,233, and at 
present, (1836,) not less than 1,600,000. 

What are its civil divisions, &c. 

A. Pennsylvania is divided into 53 counties. The fol- 
lowing table exhibits at one view, the names of the coun- 
ties in which they were established, the area in square 
miles, the population for 1810, 1820, and 1830, and the 
number of representatives. 



Counties. 


when | 
estab- 
ished 1 


Area 
in sq. 

milts 


POPULATION EY CENSUS. 


1910. 


1320 | 


1833. | No. of rep. 


Philadelphia City 


16S2 


2 


53722 


City & co. 


80408 


7 


Philadelphia Co. 


16S2 


120 


57488 


137037 


1083SI 


8 


Bucks 


1682 


600 


32371 


37812 


45745 


3 


Chesfer 


1SS2 


,738 


395C-7 


44431 


5C91C 


j. 


Lancaster 


1729 


923 


53927 


63336 


76631 


( 


YorK 


.1749 


soo 


31933 


33759 


42859 




Cumberland 


1750 


545 


86757 


S3SQ6 


29226 


i 




1752 


674 


43046 


4 5275 


53152 


i 


Northampton 


1752 


1000 


39145 


SI 763 


33182 


3i 


IJedfer-l 


vn\ 


1520 


1574S 


20243 


21502 


2 


Northumberland 


1772 


457 


363S7 


15124 


IS133 


1 


Westmoreland 


J773 


1004 


2S492 


30510 


SSiOO 


2 


li-gton 


1781 


£93 


3S239 


40038 


42784 


3 


f ayette 


i7S3 


8M 


24714 


£7285 


2S17S 


2 


Franklin 


::si 


73S 


23173 


31892 


S50S7 


2 


Motgcmery 


:«g4 


'5) 


29SS3 


35793 


39405 


2 


D^'-'phin 


tf?5 


523 


31683 


21653 


23243 


2 


L:r.?rne 


17S3 


1734 


19109 


20027 


Z70 r :3 


o 


Huntingdon 


1787 


1183 


I477S 


20142 


27145 


1 


Allegheny 


1738 


754 


23317 


34921 


50552 


4 


Mifflin 


17«9 


825 


12132 


16618 


216D0 


3t? 


Delaware 


1789 


117 


15734 


14810 


17321 


1 


Lycorhing 


i7?5 


2290 


noos 


13517 


17636 


2c 


?rse: 


i7So 


IOCS 


11235 


13974 


17762 


94 


G reene 


I7S3 


600 


15541 


15551 


1S028 


2 


.;ne 


17J3 


720 


4125 


4127 


7663 


l e 


^Adatna 


..-: j 


523 


15152 


19370 


21378 


3 


. Centre 
Baaver 
Butler 


IS 00 


1370 
785 


1C681 

12168 

* 7347 


13706 
15340 
13193 


18879 
24123 
14681 


1 
t 


Mercer 
Crawford 
r e 


-» 


830 
974 

723 


8*77 
6178 


11681 
9397 
8553 


19729 

15030 

rc4i 


2 

1 



54 



GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 



Warren V I"~ 


18CO 


632 


827 


197G 


4667 


1 


Venango 


" 


1111 


SCSI 


4915 


9170 


1 


Arms rong 


" 


911 


6143 


10321 


17S25 


1 


Indiana 


1803 


770 


€214 


8882" 


U252 


1 


Jefferson 


1801 


1200 


1CI 


561 


»25 




McKean 


" 


1112 


142 


728 


1139 




Clearfield 


P 


14?$ 


673 


2342 


4S03 




Potter 


" 


11O0 


2J 


HJfi 


12C5 


-1 


Tioga 


" 


1100 


163T 


4021 


.6578 




Cambria 


'* 


670 


2117 


3267 


7076 




.Bradford 


mo 


1171 




11554 


19746 


1 


Sssquehanna 


1810 


eo) 




9960 


16767 


I 


Sthuylkill 


1811 


745 




11339 


20711 


1 


Lehigh 


1813 


335 




163S5 


22255 


8 


Columbia 


1813 


574 




1762 1 


2C059 


1 


Uaion 


1613 


551 




16619 


20795 




Lebanon 


1813 


£68 




16S8J 


20557 


1 


Pike 


1814 


m 




$804 


4613 




Perry 


1830 


610 




113J? 


142S1 


1 


Jur.iata 


1831 


36> 






~ 7672 




Mcnroe 


IBM 













:-^r inc'.uding -Monroe ;b including Juniata and Unior; c including Clearfield ; dja- 
1 tiding Cambria; e including Pike; f including Jeffcrso.i and McKean; g. including 
Tioga. 



Note, — The following- alphabetical aketch of each county-Tjits 
boundaries — townships — streams, surfaces, soil, minerals, Sfctyc. 
has been very carefully collated from tho Pennsylvania Gazetteer, 
from Hazard's Register o:f Pennsylvania and from other authentic 
sources. 



'' Q. What are the boundaries, townships, streams &c. of 
Jldams county ? 

A. Adams county is one of the southern counties ; 
bounded on the N. by Cumberland, N. E. and E. by York, 
S. by Frederick county, Maryland }V. by Franklin— It is di- 
vided into the following township^ Berwick, Cumberland, 
Conewago, Hamiiton-bar, Hamilton, Huntingdon, Germa- 
ny, Franklin, MenaHen, Mountjoy* Mountpleasant, Lati- 
more, Liberty, Reading, Tyrone, Strabane. The surface 
is much diversified. The soil is of various qualities, 
from the worst to the best. TJjere are no navigable 
streams, in the county— «there are however some excellent 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. g§ 

mill streams, as the Conewago, Marsh creek, Rock creek, 
Wilallo ways, and Piney creek. Population principally 
Germans and settlers from New Jersey. There are some 
valuable minerals in this county; particular, iron and cop- 
per. Gettysburg is the seat of justice ; in 1830, population 
was 1473. The Theological seminary of the Luthern 
Church, and the Pennsylvania college, both flourishing in- 
stitutions are located at this place. Besides these there 
are other academies and schools. Stores and taverns nu- 
merous. 

<i. What are the boundaries, &c. of Alleghany county -? 

A. .Alleghany has.- Washington county S. and S. W., 
Beaver N. W. ; Butler N. ; and Westmoreland E. Length 
from E. to W. 32 miles, mean breadth 18. It is divided in- 
to the following townships, Deer, Elizabeth, Fayette, 
Findlay, Franklin, Indiana, Mifflin, Moon, Ohio, s Pit t, 
Pine, Plum, , Ross, Robinson, St. Clair, Versailles, 
i — it also contains several boroughs. The face^pf this 
county is in a peculiar manner diversified. .. Though 
not traversed by any mountain chain, the hills are high 
and swelling. The soil is fertile to the highest summits, 
and in its natural state covered with a very dense forest. 
Put it is the rivers and their variegated banks, which 
iorm the true decoration of this fine county; the Allegha- 
,ny enters from the N. E. and the Monongahela from the 
S. E., and uniting at.,P]ttsburg, form the^Ohio ; (he latter 
winding to the N. W. traverses, 14 .miles of the western 
part of the county. To the rivers may be added Chartiers 
and many other creeks, which contribute to drain and 
fertilize the fine vales which spread over this beautiful 
country. 

In its valleys and along the water courses are ash,.su= 
gar-maple, cherry, elm, different species of oak, walnut and 
wild grapes. It abounds with bituminous coal — this val- 
uable mineral is found near the surface along the Allegha- 
ny and Monongahela rivers. The roads are generally 



56 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISE 

well improved. Pittsburg, the great Emporium of the 
west, is the seat of justice, and the incorporated part alone • 
contained a population of 12,568 in 1830 and no doubt 
that Pittsburg with its suburbs contains no less than 30, 
000 souls at present. ( See Article Pittsburg.) 

Q. What are the boundaries and extent of Armstrong 
county ? 

A. Armstrong county is bounded on the north by Clar- 
ion creek which divides it from Venango county, E. by Jef- 
ferson, and S. E. by Indiana, S. by Kiskiminitas river 
which separates it from Westmoreland, and W. by But- 
ler. Length, 45 miles, mean width, 20 miles. It is divided 
into the following townships: Alleghany, Buffalo, Clarion, 
Kittaning, Perry, Plumb creek, Redbank, Toby, Sugar- 
creek, Wayne, Kiskiminitas. The surface is much varie- 
gated with hill and dale, considerably broken and soil di- 
versified — large bodies of it nearly worthless. The timber 
varies according to the soil, — there is black, red, white 
and rock oak, chesnut, hickory, ash, walnut, sugar-maple, 
A elm, cherry, some pine and cedar, but not abundant. The 
county is well watered. The Alleghany river divides it in- 
to two unequal parts — The principal creeks are, Toby's, 
Mahoning, Crooked, Cowanshannock, Pine, Piney 
creek, and Buffalo. Banks of coal are found along 
Redbank and Mahoning creeks 12 feet thick. Alumine and 
coppsras are found. Iron ore is abundant every where 
— Lead ore has been discovered. Several turnpike roads 
pass through this county. Kittaining is the seat of jus- 
tice, its population in 1830 was 526. 

Q. What are the boundaries &c. of Bradford county^ 
-A. Bradford county is one of the northern counties 
bounded on the N. by N. York, E. by Susquehanna coun- 
ty and S. E. by Luzerne, S. by Lycoming county, and W. 
by Tioga county. It is divided into the following town- 
. ships. Albany/ Asylum, Athens, Burlington, Canton* 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. 5'« 

Columbia, Franklin, Litchfield, Monroe, Orwell, Pike, 
Ridgeberry, Sheshequin, Smithfield, Sprugfield, Troy, To- 
wanda, Ulster, Warren, Wells, Windham, Wysox, Wy- 
alusing, Tuscarora. The county is formed by two slopes 
the western declining rather E. of N. towards the Susque- 
hanna — the surface of this county is mountainous, though 
much excellent soil skirts the streams. It has a diversifi- 
ed surface. The productions are all kind of timber com- 
mon to Pennsylvania. The staples are grain, flour, whis- 
key, fruit, salted provisions and lumber. The principal 
streams are the Susquehanna, the Wepossening creek ; 
Wysox, Rumnerfield, Wyalusing, Sugar, Duvals creek 
and Tioga river. Iron ore and coal ore the principal min- 
erals. The Susquehanna and Tioga turnpike road passes 
through this county. The seat of justice is Towanda, 
situated on the W. bank of the Susquehanna river, 128 
miles N. from Harrisburg — was incorporated in 1828. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Beaver county ? 

A. Beaver county is bounded on the N. by Mercer, E. 
by Butler, S. E. by Alleghany, S. by Washington, and W. 
by the state of Ohio. Its greatest length along the state 
oi Ohio is 36 miles, mean breadth 18 miles. It is divided 
into the following townships : North Beaver, Big Beaver, 
Little Beaver, South Beaver, Brighton, Chippewa, Falls- 
town, Greene, Economy, Hanover, Hopewell, Moon, Ohio, 
Shenango, New Sewickly, North Sewickly. This county 
belongs to the secondary geological formation; the 
strata throughout lying horizontal, and preserving that 
uniformity which distinguishes the great valley west of 
the Alleghany mountains. The portion of the county S. 
of the Ohio, and the district extending 10 miles N. of that 
river, have generally a hilly surface, interspersed with 
fine bottoms, and large tracts of level and rolling land, 
admirably adapted for grain and grazing farms ; and par- 



58 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

ticularly for raising sheep. Besides the different species of 
oak, and other timber common to the N. West part of 
Pennsylvania, as ash, sugar maple, walnut, and sycamore, 
the vine and mulberry grow luxuriously and sponta- 
neously. This county is well watered. The Ohio river 
enters it about 14 miles below Pittsburg, and in its on- 
ward course in this county, receives the Big Heaver creek, 
Big Sewickly, Raccoon creek, Mahoning and Shenangc 
rivers; the Slippery Rock and the Conequenessing creeks 
are the principal streams. Iron ore of various kinds has 
been found in many parts ; and sulphur and iron in va- 
rious states of combination. Limestone and bituminous 
coal are abundant. There are several salt water wells in 
this county. Roads and other similar improvements are 
beginning to be numerous. The seat ot justice is Beaver, 
which contains a population of 1,000 or 1,200, and is a 
place of considerable business. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Bedford county ? 
''A. Bedford county is bounded on the N. and'N. E. by 
Huntingdon, E. by Franklin, S. Maryland, W. by Somer- 
set. Greatest length from the Maryland line to the north- 
ern angle, 52 miles. It is divided into the following town- 
ships: Aair, Bedford, Belfast, Bethel, Colerain, Cumber- 
land Valley, Dublin, Greenfield, Hopewell, Londonderry, 
Napier, Providence, Southampton, St. Clair, Woodbury. 
The surface of the county is very mountainous. The 
Cove and Tuscorara mountains are on the E. ; proceed- 
ing thence W. we cross Scrub Hill, Sideling Hill, Town 
Hill, Clear Ridge, Warrior's Ridge, Tassey's Mountain, 
Denning's Mountain, Will's Mountain, and Buffalo Ridge. 
Though the country is generally broken, still there are 
some fine limestone farms, well cultivated, especially those 
near M'Connellstown, Friends' cove, and Morrison's cove- 
The timber is chjefly white oak,jchesnut, hickory, pine 



OF PENNSYLVANIA* 59 

and sugar maple. This county is wholly of transition 
formation, and abounds in mineral wealth, as bituminous 
coal and iron ore are in abundance. Wheat, rye, and oats, 
are their universal crops. Bedford is the seat of justice', 
on the great road leading from Philadelphia to Pittsburg. 
In 1830, it contained 879 inhabitants. 

Q,. What are the boundaries «&c. of Berks county ? 

A. Berks is bounded by Lehigh county on the N. E., 
Montgomery on the E., Chester on the S. E., Lancaster on 
the S., Lebanon on the S.W., and the Kittatinny mountain 
on the W. and N. W., separating it from Schuylkill. — 
Mean length, 34 miles ; breadth, 30 miles. It is divided 
into the following townships : Amity, Alsace, Albany, 
Bethel, Breckneck, Caernaroon, Cumru, Colebrookdale, 
Douglass, Earl, East District, Exeter, Greenwich, Heidle- 
berg, Hereford, Longswamp, Lower Bern, Maiden creek, 
Maxatawney, Oley, Pike, Richmond, Robeson, Ruscomb, 
Rockland, Manor, Tulpehocken, Union, Upper^ Bern, 
Windsor, Upper Tulpehocken. 

The face of this fine country is greatly diversified ; 
bounded on the N. W. by the Kittatinny, and S. E. by 
the S. E. chain of mountains, it contains part of. two 
mountain valleys. The general slope is to the southeast- 
ward, and is traversed in that direction by the Schuylkill 
river, which breaks through the Blue Ridge at Reading. 
The latter chain traverses Berks in a southwestern di- 
rection, dividing the county into two unequal valley sec- 
tions. The lower and lesser, lies between the Blue 
Ridge and Southeast mountain, and widens from N. E. 
to S. W. from three to fifteen miles. The section above 
the Blue Ridge has a nearly equal breadth of eighteen 
miles, something more than a third of which is on the 
great limestone strata which flanks the Blue Ridge on 
the northwestern side.. The limestone tract is the most 
fertile, but the general character of the soif'of the county 



50 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

is that of productiveness, and the staples are numerous 
and valuable. The mean level of the arable soil of Berks 
is about three hundred feet above the level of tide water 
in the Delaware river. The seasons of inflorescence, fo- 
liage, and of harvest, are sensibly different above and be- 
low the Blue Ridge. 

There are all kinds of timber usually common to this 
part of Pennsylvania. This county is well watered; — 
the Schuylkill river divides it into almost two equal parts. 
In its course in this county, the Schuylkill receives from 
the W. Irish, North Kill, Little North Kill, Tulpenhocken, 
Spring, Cacoosing Wymissing, Angelica, Allegheny, Hay 
and Mill creeks, and from the E. Maiden, Dry, Roush, Ma- 
nokesy, and Manatawney creeks. Some of the head wa- 
ters of the Lehigh and Swatara have their sources in 
this county. There is a vast quantity of iron manufac- 
tured in this county. In three years time, eleven fur- 
naces have produced 14,411 tons of pig iron, and 3,587 
tons of casting. I have seen some fine specimens of 
copper ore brought from this county. Roads and other 
public improvements are numerous. Reading is the seat 
of justice; in 1830 it contained 6631 souls. (See descrip- 
tion of Reading.) 

What are the boundaries &c. of Bucks county ? 

A. Bucks county is bounded by Philadelphia county S, 
Montgomery's. W., Lehigh and Northampton counties 
N. W. Delaware river separating it from New Jersey 
Greatest length 42 miles mean breadth 1 3 miles. It is di 
vided into the following townships, Bristol, Bensalem 
Bedminster, Buckingham, Doylestown, Durham, FaMs 
Haycock, Hilltown, Lower Makefield, Upper Makefield 
Middletown, Milford, Newtown, New Britain, Northamp 
ton, Nockanixon, Plumstead, Richland, RockhiU, Solebu 
ry, Southampton, Springfield, Tinicum, Warminster; 
Warrington, Warwick, Wrightstown. The surface is 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. q\ 

pleasantly broken into hill and dale, and the northwes- 
tern border formed, by one of the minor chains of the Ap- 
palachian system. Of the large creeks which rise and 
terminate in this county, the principal are the Neshamony 
in the southern, and Tohicken in the northern part. The 
limestone region and alluvial flats on the Delaware, pro- 
duce very fine crops of wheat. It is well watered — the 
principal streams are the Delaware, Neshamony, Perkio- 
men and Tohicken creek, and Jugham's spring. * There 
is a valuable mine of plumbago, at blackhead, in this county 
which is very productive. It is on the summit of a hill 
in Southampton township, and has been perforated to the 
depth of 100 feet. By the aid of two pumps, one horse, 
and 6 workmen, 25,000 dollars worth has been, raised 
within the space of three years. The plumbago of this 
mine is said to be of a superior quality, and the best yet 
discovered, excepting that of one mine in England. It is 
sold, for from fifteen, to forty-five cents per pound. 

Doylestown is the seat of justice — the population in 1830, 
was 1,777. There are rising of 100 dwelling houses, 5 
stores and 6 taverns in it. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Butler county ? 

A. Butler county, is bounded by Alleghany S., Beaver, 
W., Mercer N. W., Venango N., and Armstong E., length 
35, mean breadth 23 miles — is divided into the following 
townships, Butler, Buffalo, Centre, Clearfield, Conequeh- 
essing, Cranberry, Donegal, Mercer, Middlesex, Muddy- 
creek, Parker, Slippery Rock, Venango. The face of the 
country is generally favorably disposed for agriculture. 
The timber consists of white, black, and other oaks, beech, 
maple, blackash, sugar maple, cherry, &c. It is w T ell wa- 
tered. The Alleghany river touches its N. E., and S. E-. 
boundaries, and receives from it Lowry's, Crawford's, Re- 
dick's, and Jones' runs, Bear creek, several branches of 
Big Buffalo creek, and the Little Buffalo creek. West* 

6 



£2 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISxH 

ward, it is drained by Slippery Rock creek and its several 
"branches, Muddy creek, Conequenessing and Brush 
creeks, tributaries of the Big Beaver ; and by a branch 
of the Big Sewickly creek, which flows into the Ohio; 

This county, like many others in Pennsylvania, ha? 
been the residence of the mammoth. In 1819, whilst dig- 
ging the well at the salt-works, about one and a half mile 
N. E. of the town of Butler, the grinder of one of these 
huge animals was found, four feet below the surface of 
the rock, among several fragments of much decayed bones. 
Its weight was five pounds, length seven inches. 

Butler is the seat of justice — the population in 1830, was 
580. 

Q. What are the boundaries, «fec. of Cambria county ? 

A. Cambria is bounded E. by the Alleghany chain which 
separates it from Bedford and Huntingdon, N., by Clear- 
field, W., by Laurel Hill, separating it from Indiana, and 
Westmoreland, and S., by Somerset. Length from S. to 
N. 36 miles, mean breadth 20 miles. It is divided into the 
following townships, Alleghany, Cambria, Clearfield. 
Conemaugh, Jackson, Munster, Loretto, Summerhill, Sus- 
quehanna. The surface is hilly, rocky, and in part moun- 
tainous, with a soil of middling quality. Almost ev- 
ery species of timber abounds on the mountains, except 
the white oak — some of the trees grow to a large size. It 
is well watered, by the Conemaugh, Stony creek, Clear- 
field and Blacklick creeks. There is iron ore here, and 
coal is abundantly found in various parts, but more par- 
ticularly in the southern division. The turnpike road 
from Huntingdon to Pittsburg passes through this county, 
Ebensburg is the seat of justice ; in 1830 the population 
was 270. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Centre County ? 

A. Centre county is bounded N. and W., by Lycoming. 
W. branch of the Susquehanna, which separates it from 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. 



6- 



Clearfield and Lycoming W. and N. W., by Huntingdon 
and Mifflin, S., and by Union, E., Length 58, breadth 3*3 
s. It is divided into the following townships; Bald 
Eagle, Eoggs, Ferguson, Gregg, Hains, Howard, Half- 
moon, Logan, Lamar. Miles, Potter, Rush, Patton, Spring. 
Walker. It is mountainous and rocky, though the soil 
is good in many places, — the mountains abound with fine 
umber. It is not well watered. The mineral resources 
are good. There are several turnpikes running through 
it. Bellefonte is the seat of justice: population in 1830, 
was 699. 

Q. "What are the boundaries; &c. of Chester county ; 

A. Chester county is bounded by Lancaster county W.. 
Berks. N. W., Schuylkill river, which separates it from 
Montgomery, N. E., Delaware county E., Newcastle coun- 
ty in the state of Delaware S. E., and Cecil county, Mary- 
land S. Length 44 miles, mean breadth 18 miles. It is di- 
vided into the following townships, Bradford W., Brad- 
lord, E., Birmingham, Brandywine, Cain E., Cain W., 
estown, Coventry, Eastown, Fallowfield E., Fallow- 
field W., Goshen E., Goshen W., Honeybrooke, Kennet, 
London Grove, London Britain, Oxford Upper, Oxford 
Lower, Marlborough E., Marlborough W., Newlin, New 
Garden, New London, Nottingham E,, Nottingham W.» 
Londonderry, Penn, Nantmeal E., Nantmeal W., Pike- 
land, Pennsbury, Sadsbury, Schuylkill, Tredyffrin, Thorn- 
bury, Uwchlan, Vincent, Whiteland E., Whiteland W., 
Willistown, West-Town. The surface is very diver- 
sified; the eastern part rolling, rather than hilly, 
and in some places level, but the central and west- 
ern part hilly, and in many places very mountainous. 
The soil is generally varied from rocky and sterile to 
highly fertile; more than 600,000 bushels of lime are annu- 



£4 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

ally used in this county, for manure. The timber is nor 
so very strong. The principal streams are Brandy wine 
and French creek. 

Chester county presents to the mineralogist a rich field 
for investigation. Her limestone, serpentine and gneis f 
the predominant rocks, contain inexhaustible beds of in- 
teresting minerals, and the many quarries in operation 
greatly facilitate the means of procuring them. These 
circumstances, with the polite attention manifested to stran- 
gers by the inhabitants, and the admirable hospitality 
which characterizes them,- furnish strong inducements to 
the mineralogist to visit the county. 

The roads are generally good and traverse the county 
in all directions. West Chester is the seat of justice; pop- 
ulation in 1830, was 1,258 (See description of West Chester.) 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Clearfield county ? 

A. Clearfield county is bounded by Cambria S., Indiana 
S. W., Jefferson W. and N. W., M'Kean N., Lycoming N. 
E., the west branch of the Susquehanna river E., separat- 
ing it from Centre, and Mushannon creek S. E., separating 
it from the southwestern part of Centre. Length from 
S. to N. 45 miles, mean breadth 32. It is divided into the 
following townships: Brady, Bradford, Beccaria, Chest, 
Covington, Decatur, Fox, Gibson, Lawrence, Pike. Its 
surface is broken and hilly — even mountainous; but the 
mountains do not form regular chains or ridges, but are- 
broken and turned in all directions. The soils are as va- 
rious as the surface. The limestone and alluvial lands o^ 
the valleys are excellent. The timber is of all the varie- 
ties indigenous to the country. The county is extremely 
well watered. Bituminous coal and iron ore abound. — 
Several turnpike roads pass through it. Clearfield is the 
seat of justice, having in 1830 six hundred and seventeen 
of a population. 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. 65 

! Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Columbia county ? 

A. Columbia county is bounded by Northumberland 
W., Lycoming N. W., Luzerne N. E., Susquehanna S. E., 
and Northumberland S. and S. W. Length from S. to N. 
35, mean breadth 20 miles. It is divided into the following 
townships : Greenwood, Madison, Hemlock, Brown, Briar 
creek, Liberty, Sugarloaf, Mountpleasant, Mifflin, Lime- 
stone, Derry, Catawissa, Mahoning, Fishing creek. The 
surface is uneven, and diversified by mountain, hill, and 
valley. The soil of the alluvial bottom of the Susque- 
hanna is good, and there is considerable limestone in 
this county. It is well watered. It abounds in mineral 
wealth. The anthracite coal and iron ore found in it, are 
of an excellent quality. Roads and other improvements 
are not wanting. Danville is the seat of justice, its popu- 
lation in 1830 was about 700. 

Q,. What are the boundaries, &c. of Crawford county ? 

A. Crawford county is bounded by Erie N., Warren E., 
Venango S. E., Mercer S., and by Ohio W. and S. W. 
Length 43 miles, mean width 22. It is divided into the 
following townships: Meadville, Randolph, Oil creek, 
Troy, Athens, Rome, Sparta, Richmond, Bloomfield, Rock- 
dale, Woodcock, Venango, Cussawago, Spring, Beaver, 
Conneaut, Hayfield, Vernon, Sadsbury, North Shenango, 
South Shenango, Fallowfleld, Greenwood, Fairfield, Som- 
merhill. 

The surface of the county is undulating, and the soil 
generally of a good quality, and there is little or none 
worthless in the county. It is well watered and timber- 
ed. The principal streams are French creek, Oil, Muddy, 
Woodcock, Big and Little Sugar and Cussawago creeks, 
tributaries of French creek. The principal minerals are 
iron and salt. There is another production found in this 
county called Seneca Oil. Hollow places are made in 
the low spongy ground, bordering on the creek, which 

6* 



qq GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

being filled with water, the oil swims on the top, ana 
is taken off and used for lamps arid various other pur- 
poses. Considerable quantities are annually sent to the 
eastern markets. Meadyille is the seat of justice. Popu- 
lation in 1830, 1094; at present 1600. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Cumberland coun- 
ty? 

A. Cumberland county is bounded N. W. and N. by 
the Kittatiany, or as there locally named, North mountain, 
which separates it from Perry, Susquehanna river sepa- 
rating it from Dauphin, E., York county S. E., Adams S., 
Franklin S. W. Length 34 miles, mean breadth 16, and 
area 544 square miles. It is divided into the following 
townships: Allen, Dickenson, East Pennsborough, Frank- 
ford, Hopewell, Mifflin, Monroe, Newton, North Middje- 
ton, Silverspring, Southampton, South Middleton, West 
Pennsborough. This county, from its peculiar situation, 
belongs in part to the great central transition formation 
of the state, and partakes of the singular structure which 
distinguishes this valley in its whole course; the S. eastern 
half is composed of limestone, and the N. western of alu- 
minous slate. The surface of the country is determined 
by the nature of its base. The limestone country is ge- 
nerally level, and the soil much superior to that of the 
slate. The water is also more regularly distributed in 
the slate than in the limestone formation. The several 
streams that water the interior of it are the Conodoquinet, 
Greenspring, Bigspring, Silverspring, Cedarspring, Le- 
tartspring, and the Yellow Breeches creek on the S. E. 
We might here also notice the Sulphur Spring at the 
foot of the Blue mountain. We have iron ore, and it 
chiefly abounds, if not wholly, in the limestone forma- 
tion. The turnpike road from Harrisburg to Chambers- 
burg, crosses the county S. W. by the borough of Car- 
lisle ; and another road directed towards Baltimore, runs 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. 67 

from Carlisle S. E. by Petersburg and Abbottstown, in 
Adams county, and by Hanover into York county, to 
the state line. Carlisle is the seat of justice. Here is 
Dickinson College, under the auspices of the Methodist 
Episcopal church, — at present it is in a flourishing condi- 
tion. The population of Carlisle in 1830 was 3710. 

Q. What are the boundaries, <&c. of Dauphin county ? 

A. Dauphin county is bounded by Mahantango creek, 
which divides it from Northumberland N., by Schuylkill 
N. E.; Lebanon E., Conewago creek, which separates it 
from Lancaster S., and by the Susquehanna river, which 
separates it from York S. W., and from Cumberland and 
Perry W. Length 38 miles, mean breadth 16. It is di. 
vided into the following townships: Lykens, Mifflin, Up- 
per Paxton, Halifax, Jackson, Rush, Middle Paxton, Sus- 
quehanna, Lower Paxton, Hanover, Swatara, Derry, 
Londonderry. The surface of this county varies much 
in fertility ; one-fourth may be estimated mountainous,, 
and altogether unfit for cultivation. It is well watered ; 
the principal streams are the Swatara, Paxton, Clark's, 
Armstrong's and Wiconisco creeks; and the west is wa- 
tered by the Susquehanna river. Anthracite coal is abun- 
dant in this county. There are three turnpike road com- 
panies. (See article, Turnpikes.) Harrisburg is the seat 
of justice. Population in 1830, 4312. (See article Har* 
risburg.) 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Delaware county ? 

A. Delaware county is bounded by Chester county W. 
and N. W., Montgomery N. E., Philadelphia county E. y 
Delaware river, separating it from Gloucester county, N,. 
Jersey, S. E., and New Castle county, S. Length 20 miles, 
mean breadth 11. It is divided into the following town- 
ships: Aston, Bethel, Birmingham, Chester, Concord, Up- 
per Chichester, Lower Chichester, Darby, Upper Provi- 
dence, Nether Providence, Marple, Springfield, Newtown, 



QS GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

Middletown, Tinicum, Upper Darby, Ridley, Haveriord, 
Thornbury, and Radnor. This county, with the excep- 
tion of a narrow margin of alluvion, along the Delaware, 
pertains to the primitive formation. The soil is good, 
and under the care of its industrious inhabitants is 
scarce surpassed in fertility by any in the state. The 
surface of the country above the alluvion is rolling, and 
becomes somewhat hilly towards the west. The princi- 
pal streams are Cobb's, Darby, Crum, Ridley, Chester, 
Hook, Muskinipates, and Brandywine creeks ; these all 
flow into the Delaware. A mine of copper ore has been 
opened on Chester creek, about a mile above the town 
of Chester. The ore is said to contain 53 per cent, of 
copper, 48 ounces of silver in every 100 pounds, and one 
grain of gold in each ounce of the ore. The sulphuret 
of molybdena is also found here in large quantities. — 
Chester is the seat of justice. Population in 1830 was 
848. 
j. Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Erie county ? 

A. Erie county is bounded by Ashtabula county, O., W-, 
Lake Erie W. and N., Chataque county, N. Y.,N.E, War- 
ren county, E., Crawford county S. 

Greatest length along Crawford county, forty-five 
miles, mean breadth 17; area 765 square miles. It is di- 
vided into the following townships : Amity, Beaver Dam, 
Conneaut, Conneautte, Concord, Elk Creek, Fairview, 
Greenfield, Harbor Creek, Le Bouef, McKean, Mill Creek, 
North East, Springfield, Union, Wayne, Waterford, Ve- 
nango. The surface is undulating, its soil sandy loam, 
clay, gravel, and tolerably productive, but better adapted 
for grass than grain. The principal streams flow into 
Lake Erie. These are the different " mile' 11 creeks, Wal- 
nut, Elk, Crooked and Raccoon creeks, &c, Erie is the 
seat of justice, population in 1830, 1465. 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. 69 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Fayette county ? 

A. Fayette county is bounded by Alleghany county. 
Md., S. E., Preston and Monongalia counties, Va., S., by 
Mononghahela river, which separates it from Greene 
county, W., and Washington N. W., by Westmoreland N. 
and Somerset, E. It approaches a square of 28 miles 
each side. It is divided into the following townships : 
Connellsville, Bullskin, Dunbar, Franklin, George, Ger- 
man, Henry Clay, Luzerne, Menallen, Redstone, Saltlick? 
Springhill, Tyrone, Union, Washington, and Wharton. 
The county lies partly in the central position, and partly 
in the secondary formation. Its surface, from the centre 
E. is mountainous, and every where hilly. The soil is 
various ; that of the east part, on the mountains, is of slate 
and gravel, in the western part it consists of loam. Lime- 
stone is found near the surface in some places, and in 
others it lies deep. 

It is well watered. The Mononghahela, with a rather 
crooked channel, winds a navigable stream along the 
western border. The Youghioghany, after piercing a 
chain of mountains, enters Fayette from the S. E., and 
breaking through hills and mountains, traverses it flow- 
ing to the N. W. The channel of the Youghioghany is 
part of the projected route of the Chesapeake and Ohio 
Canal. Iron ore abounds. The seat of justice is Union- 
Its population in 1830 was 1352. 
Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Franklin couuty ? 
A. Franklin is bounded by Bedford W., Huntingdon 
N. W., Mifflin N., Perry and Cumberland N. E., Adams E., 
and Washington, Md., S. It is divided into the follow- 
ing townships: Antrim, Fannet, Franklin,. Greene, Guil- 
ford, Hamilton, Letterkenny, Lurgan, Metal, Montgom- 
ery, Peters, Southampton, St. Thomas, Warren, Wash- 
ington. 
The valley between the mountains affords much diver- 



70 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

sity of aspect and soil. The greater part is limestone 
land of good quality, well watered by springs, and in a 
high state of cultivation. The general character of the 
land, is undulating, very little hilly or broken that may 
not be subjected to the plough. The prevailing forest 
trees are white, black, red, swamp and chesnut oak, 
chesnut, poplar, elm, black and white walnut, hickory, 
acacia or locust, maple, sycamore, &c. The principal 
streams of the county have their sources in the moun- 
tains not far from their summits, whence they flow to- 
wards the middle of the valley, and nearly all unite in 
forming the Conecocheague creek, a large stream which 
empties into the Potomac at Williamsport, in Maryland. 
The Antietam creek rises in the South mountain and 
parts contiguous, and flows southward also into Mary- 
land. The Conedoquinet creek springs from the North 
mountain, and runs northward for several miles, whilst 
west Conecocheague on the west of the intervening moun- 
tain, has an opposite, though nearly a parallel course. — 
These main trunks and their tributary branches, inter- 
sect the country in all directions, and furnish a supply 
of water not only for agricultural, but for manufactur- 
ing purposes, to a great extent. Iron ore of the best 
quality abounds. A tradition from the first white settlers 
reports, that the Indians obtained lead from these hills, 
but it has not yet been discovered. Several turnpikes 
pass through this county. Chambersburg is the seat of 
justice. Population in 1830, 2794. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Greene county ? 
A. Greene county is bounded by Washington county 
N., by Mononghahela river separating it from Fayette, E., 
by Monongalia county, Va. S., Tyler county, Va. S. W., 
and Ohio county, Va. W. Length from E. to W. 32 miles, 
mean breadth 18. It is divided into the following town, 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. 71 

ships: Aleppo, Cumberland, Centre, Duhkard, Franklin, 
Greene, Jefferson, Morgan, Morris, Mononghahela, Rich 
Hill, Wayne, and Whiteley. 

The surface of the county is greatly diversified by hills 
and dales, and the soil varies from the richest river bottoms 
to the poorest gravel ridges. The county is very well wa- 
tered ; the principal streams are Dunkard, Big Whitely, 
Little Whitely, Muddy and Ten Mile creeks, all of which 
fiow eastward into the Mononghahela river. VvHieeling 
and Fish creeks rise by several branches and flow west- 
ward to the Ohio ; their sources are not distant from each 
other. The valleys of these streams are among the most 
delightful of Pennsylvania, rich, and where the axe has 
not done its work, covered with every variety of timber 
indigenous to the west, of the largest growth. This 
.county has a due proportion of the three minerals, coal 
iron, and salt, which abound in western Pennsylvania. — 
Waynesburg is the seat of justice ; the population not ex- 
ceeding 700. 

Q. What are the bouudaries &c. of Huntingdon coun- 
ty ? 

A. Huntingdon county is bounded S. W., by Bedford, 
N. W., by Alleghany mountains, separating it from Cam- 
bria, N. by Centre, N. B., by Mifflin, and S. E., by Tusca- 
rora mountains separating it from Franklin. Length, di- 
agonally from S. E. to N. W., 58 miles, mean breadth 22. 
It is divided into the following townships : Alleghany, An- 
tes, Barre, Dublin, Franklin, Frankstown, Hopewell, Hen- 
derson, Morris, Porter, Shirley, Springfield, Tell, Tyrone^ 
Union, Warriormark, West Township, Petersburg, Wood- 
berry, Walker. This county is wholly within the transi- 
tion region of the state, and in one of the most mountain- 
ous parts. The soil partakes of all the shades of quality, 
from the prolific limestone to the barren decomposition of 
the conglomerate. The county is abundantly watered 






72 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

by the Juniata river, and its tributaries ; the Frankstowu 
and Raystown branches, the Aughwick and Tuscarora 
creek. The most important minerals are iron, lead, bitu- 
minous coal, salt and alum. The best kind of iron, are 
pipe ore, rock ore, and needle ore ; there is also nest and 
top ore, as the miners call it. Huntingdon is the seat of 
justice ; population in 1830, was about 900. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Indiana county ? 

A. Indiana county is bounded by Armstrong W., and 
N. W., by Jefferson N., Clearfield N. E., Cambria E. and 
S. E., and by Conemaugh river, separating it S. from 
Westmoreland. Length 35 miles, mean width 23. It is 
divided into the following townships, Wheatfield, Arm- 
strong, Blacklick, Centre, Conemaugh, Greene, Ma- 
honing, Washington, Young. Lying in the great western 
secondary geological formation, the county has the sur- 
face common to the greater portion of Pennsylvania. The 
hill table land, originally level, is cut in every direction 
by the streams which traverse it, and by occasional and 
temporary floods, and its general surface is therefore hilly. 
The soil is loam, varied by a common mixture with sand, 
gravel, and clay ; with these, vegetable mould is blended in 
the valleys, in various proportions, producing in many 
places exuberant fertility. Coal and salt are abundant. 
Indiana is the seat of justice; population in 1830, was 433. 
, Q. What aie the boundaries, &c. of Jefferson county? 

A. Jefferson county is bounded by Indiana S. Arm- 
strong and Venango W., McKean N. E., and Clearfield E. 
and S. E. Length 46 miles, mean breadth 26. It is divi- 
ded into the following townships, Perry, Pine creek, Rose, 
Ridgeway, Young. Like the rest of the N. W. part of 
Pennsylvania, the country is hilly — some of the valleys 
are fertile ; but the soil is for the most part only ordina- 
ry. It is abundantly watered. Iron ore and coal abound, 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. 73 

Centre is the seat of justice ; population not exceeding 
500. 

II. AVhat are the boundaries, &c. of Juniata county ? 

A. Juniata county is bounded by Perry S., Huntingdon 
S. W. and W., Mifflin N. W. and N., and the Susquehanna 
river separating it from Dauphin county E. Length 50 
miles, mean breadth 14. It is divided into the following 
townships, Fermanagh, Greenwood, Milford, Turbett, 
Lack, Tuscarora. In this county we find barren moun- 
tains, underlayed by limestone,"with intervening fertile val- 
leys. It is well watered. There is iron ore in this county. 
Mifflin is the seat of justice ; population not exceeding 
500. 

Q. What are the boundaries &c. of liebanon county ? 

A. Lebanon county is bounded by Dauphin W, and N. 
W., Schuykill N., Berks N. E. and Lancaster S. E. The 
greatest length of Lebanon is diagonal by 29 miles from the 
eastern to the western angle; mean width 12. It is divi- 
ded into the following townships, Londonderry, Annville, 
Jackson, Lebanon, East Hanover, Heidleberg, Bethel, Swa- 
tara. The whole county is included in the fine valley of 
Kittatinny, and similar to other parts of this physical re- 
gion, the side next the Blue Ridge is based on limestone, 
and that towards the Kittatinny on clay slate. Soil gen- 
erally excellent. The surface though bounded by the Kit- 
tatinny N. W., and Blue Ridge S. E. is not even very hil- 
ly, some part is very level. The principal streams are 
the Great and Little Swatara, which flow westerly to the 
Susquehanna, and the Tulpehocken, which by an easterly 
course seeks the Schuylkill. On the south, the Conewago, 
Great and Little Chiques, Hammer and Seglock creeks 
have their sources in the hills. The southern hills have 
great abundance of iron ore. The county is traversed in 
every direction by good roads. Lebanon is the seat of 
justice; population in 1830, was 1,826. 

7 



74 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Lancaster county ? 

A. Lancaster county is bounded by the eastern Con~ 
ewago creek separating it from Dauphin N. W., by Leba- 
non county N., Berks N. E., Chester E., Cecil county of 
Maryland S., and Susquehanna river separating it from 
York county S. W. Lines drawn over this county from 
its S. E. angle on Octarara creek a little W. of N. to its 
extreme northern angle on Lebanon and Berks, or N. W. 
parallel to Susquehanna river, to its extreme western an- 
gle at the mouth of the Conewago, are very nearly equal 
and 43 miles in length, and the area being within a trifle 
of 1,000 square miles, the mean width will be about 23 
miles. It is divided into the following townships, Breck- 
nock, Bart, Cocalico, Colerain, Caernarvon, Conestoga, 
E. & W. Donegal, Dromore, Earl, Elizabeth, West Hemp- 
field, East Hempfield, Little Britain, Lancaster, Lampeter, 
Leacock, Manheim, Mount Joy, Manor, Martick, Raphoe, 
Sadsbury, Salisbury, Strasburg, Warwick. Lancaster 
county is intersected by three ranges of hills, Mine ridge, 
EpLrata ridge, and Conewago ridge. 

The surface is undulating, under a very high state of 
cultivation, interspersed with some elegant country seats. 
When travelling the rail-road in the spring, we are con- 
stantly delighted with scattered flowers, and trees either 
in blossom, or beginning to shoot forth the tender 
fruit, meandering streams, and wide spreading fields 
of verdure, promising a rich reward to the waiting 
husbandman. The beauties of this charming region of 
cultivation, are, apparently, not a little increased by the 
intervening cliffs, which extend along the road ; the rich 
landscape now opening, and now again receding from 
view. In some places the road is excavated through mas- 
sy rocks, to a great depth, in others, through deep hills of 
gravel. Some of the beautiful bridges we pass are over 
streams, and some over deep and extensive vales. Roads 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. 75 

are frequently carried over our heads, and we are often 
carried over the roads. 

Its geological features are strongly marked, the south- 
ern part is underlaid by limestone, while the northern is 3 
covered by transition red sand stone. The limestone of 
the southern half furnishes the inhabitants with an abund- 
ance of manure, with materials for buildings, and beautiful 
marble for ornamental purposes. This portion also produ- 
ces great quantities of the materials from which Epsom 
salts are made. A very large quantity of this article, is 
annually made in this county. Iron ore is found in 
abundance. 

Crossing the county from E. to W., S. of the parallel of 
of Lancaster, we have Octorara creek, which separates it 
from Chester, the N. and W. branches of that stream, the 
Cone win go creek, Fishing creek, Tucquean creek, the 
Pecquea, which runs S. W. over the county, receiving 
Beaver creek, and Little Beaver creek, and many small- 
er streams — the Conestoga creek, which, rising in Ches- 
ter county, flows by a western course into Warwick 
township, and thence S. W. by the city of Lancaster 
to the Susquehanna river, being the recipient of many ex- 
cellent streams which increase its waters from either 
hand, the chief of which are the E. Branch, Cocalico, Trout, 
Middle and Hammer creeks, and the Little Conestoga 
creeks ; a slack water navigation has been made on the 
Conestoga creek — the Big and Little Chiques and the 
Conewago creek, which separates Lancaster from Dau- 
phin county. All these streams afford advantageous mill 
sites, and are generally and usefully improved. Iron ore 
abounds ; copper ore has been discovered in mine hill. 

We cannot conclude this article, imperfect as it is, with- 
out noticing Litiz. This is a Moravian settlement eight 
miles north of Lancaster. It contains 80 or 90 dwelling 
Rouses, a Male Seminary well conducted, under the aus* 



76 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

pices of Mr. John Beck, an able instructor ; a Female Sem- 
inary, a brothers and sister's house, &c. 

Lancaster is the seat of justice; population in 1830 was 
7,704. (See Article Lancaster.) 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Lehigh county ? 
A. Lehigh county is bounded by Schuylkill eounty W. 
by Northampton N. W., N. and N. E., and by Bucks S. E. 
Length 28 miles, mean width 13. It is divided into the 
following townships, Hanover, Heidleberg, Lowhill, Linn, 
Macungee, Northampton, N. Whitehall, Salisbury, S. 
Whitehall, Upper Milford, Upper Saucon, Weissenberg. 
The surface of this county is highly picturesque and vari- 
ed. Except the 3 southeastern townships, Upper Milford, 
and Upper and Lower Saucon, the residue of the county 
lies in the valley between the South mountain, and the 
Blue or Kittatinny mountain. The valley section is nearly 
equally divided between the limestone and the clay slate 
formation. The soil, particularly on the limestone tracts 
is excellent. The county is well watered, the principal 
streams are, Lehigh river, Trout, Antelauny, Coplay, Jor- 
dan, Cedar, Saucon creeks. One of the branches of Per- 
kiomen rises in this county. There is iron ore in this 
county. Northampton or (Allentown) is the seat of jus- 
tice ; population in 1830, was 1,544. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Luzerne county ? 
A. Luzerne county is bounded by Columbia S.W., Ly- 
coming W., Bradford N. W., Susquehanna N., Wayne N. 
E., Pike E., Northampton S. E., and Schuylkill county S, 
Length from S. to N. 50 miles, mean breadth 36. It *is di- 
vided into the following townships, Abington, Braintrim, 
Blakely, Covington, Dallas, Eaton, Exeter, Falls, Green- 
field, Hanover, Huntingdon, Kingston, Nicholson, Newport, 
Nescopeck, Northmoreland, Pitts town, Plymouth, Provi- 
dence, Salem, Sugarloaf, Union, Wilksbarre, Windham. 
Tunkhannock, Lebmen, Carbondale. The county per* 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. 77 

tains wholly to the great central formation of the state. 
The soil is so various in its quality, as to be not easily re- 
ducible to any general character. The valleys are com- 
monly rich, arable land, yet differing much in their fertili- 
ty-- and the mountains invariably sterile, and unsuscepti- 
ble, of cultivation. The surface is very mountainous, and 
the ridges run parallel to each other, from S. W. to N. E, 
like all the Atlantic chains of the continent. The interven- 
ing valleys, which vary much in width, are finely impro- 
ved. 

The principal streams are the Susquehanna and its tri- 
butaries — Mahoopenny, Bowman's, Lackawannock, 
Wapwallopen, Nescopeck, creeks. Iron ore and anthra- 
cite coal are the principal minerals. Wilkesbarre is the 
seat of justice ; population in 1830, was 2,232. Note — "No 
portion of the state recals more interesting historical re- 
collections, than Luzerne county. Its beautiful and rich 
valleys have been a favorite resort of the aborigines, for 
which they have contended among themselves, and with 
the white man. It was early and duly appreciated by 
the Connecticut settlers, who moistended the soil with 
their blood in maintenance of their possessions, though 
founded on a mistaken title. It has been the seat of the 
only civil war, which stains the annals of our colonial his- 
tory, and has displayed as much heroism as any portion 
of the commonwealth, and suffered more than any other 
in support of the revolution. Pa.Gaz. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Lycoming county ? 
A. Lycoming county is bounded by Clearfield south 
west, McKean west, Potter northwest, Columbia south 
east, and Union and Centre south. Length from east to 
west 106 miles, and the area being 2,332, the mean breadth 
must be 22 miles. It is divided into the following town- 
ships: Adams, Bald Eagle, Brown, Chapman, Cherry, Clin- 
ton, Dunstable, Elkland, Fairfield, Franklin, Hepburn* 



7 8 GEOR APGHIC AL CATECHISM 

Jackson, Loyalsock, Lycoming, Muncy Creek, Mifflin, 
Muncy, Moreland, Nippenose, Pine Creek, Penn, Shrews- 
bury, Washington, Wayne. The face of this county is 
very broken, and similar to Luzerne, traversed by sever- 
al mountain chains stretching from southwest to north- 
east. Though the general slope is eastward, the western 
part of Luzerne actually declines towards the Appala- 
chian system. In general features the resemblance is ve- 
ry strong between Luzerne and Lycoming ; the arable 
part of both being narrow river, or mountain valleys. 
The proportion of good soil in Lycoming is perhaps rather 
more, comparatively, than in Luzerne. 

The principal streams are the Susquehanna river, Mun- 
cy, Loyalsock, Lycoming, Pine, Kettle, Sinnemahoning, 
Cooks, Lony, Q,ueenshohoque creeks, &c. Iron ore and 
coal are the principal minerals. Williamsport is the 
seat of justice; population in 1830, not exceeding 600. 
Q. What are the boundaries of M'Kean county ? 
A. M'Kean county is bounded by Potter E., Lycoming 
S.E., Clearfield S., Jefferson S. W., Warren W., Cattarau- 
gus county, New York, N. f and Alleghany county of New 
York, N. E. Length 42 miles, mean width 32. It is divided 
into the following townships : Burlington, Ceres, Cooper, 
Ogden, Sergeant, Shippen, Walker, Keating, and Liberty. 
The surface is hilly, in part it is mountainous, and the 
soil generally of middling quality. The principal streams 
are the head waters of the Alleghany river, Potatoe creek, 
Willow, Sugar, and Kinjua creeks, and several branches 
of Teonista creek. It abounds with coal, iron ore, and 
salt. Smethport is the seat of justice, and contains about 
50 dwellings. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Mercer county } 
A. Mercer county is bounded N. by Crawford, N. E- 
by Venango, S. E. by Butler, S. by Beaver, and W. by 
Trumbull county, Ohio. Length from S. to N. 34 miles, 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. 79 

mean width 25. It is divided into the following town- 
ships : Cool Spring, Delaware, French Creek, Lackawan- 
nock, Mercer, Mahoning, Neshannock, Pymatuning, Sa- 
lem, West Salem, Sandy Lake, Shenango, Slippery Rock, 
Sandy Creek, Wolf Creek, Springfield. 

The geological structure of the county belongs to the 
secondary formation ; the horizontal strata of which have 
been cut by the streams to a considerable depth in various 
directions, and the plain has thus been converted into a 
rolling surface, and in many places assumes a hilly char- 
acter. The county is well watered by the Shenango, 
Crooked, Lackawannock, and other creeks. Bituminous 
coal is found in abundance in every township in the coun- 
ty ;*we have not learned whether its usual concomitants, 
iron and salt, in this region, attend it. Copperas is found 
in great quantities near the town of Mercer. 

Mercer is the seat of justice. The population in 1830 
was 656. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Mifiliu county ? 

A. Mifflin county is bounded by Centre north, Union 
N. E , Juniata county E. and S. E., and Huntingdon S. 
W. and S. W. Length from S. W. to N. E., 42 miles, 
mean breadth 12. It is divided into the following town- 
ships : Derry, Armagh, Union, Wayne, Decatur, and 
Walker. 

This county is near the centre of the great transition 
formation of the state. It is surrounded by mountains, 
and traversed by several ranges of lofty hills. Crossing 
it from the south, we have Black Log mountain and Blue 
ridge, north of which flows the Juniata river, through Ju- 
niata valley, bounded northward by Limestone ridge, 
Jack's mountain, and Path Valley mountain. The whole 
of this mountainous region is underlaid with limestone, 
which being near and on the surface in the valleys, ren- 
ders them highly fertile. It is not as well watered as ma* 






i 



8 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

ny of the other counties are. Iron ore abounds in many 
parts of the county, but more particularly in Union, Der- 
ry, and Wayne townships. Its quality is that well known 
and highly appreciated, as Juniata iron. In the limestone 
valleys, there are some caves such as are common in 
limestone countries. That in Wayne township, called Han- 
iwal's cave, is, we believe, the most extensive, having a 
depth of more than 100 rods. Considerable quantities of 
Salt petre have been obtained from it at sundry times. 

Lewistown is the seat of justice. Population in 1830, 
1480. 

What are the boundaries, <Scc. of Monroe county ? 
A. No actual survey having been made as yet, we can- 
not give the exact boundaries, nor any other particular 
information. The soil, &c, same as described in North- 
ampton and Pike counties, which see. 

According to an act passed and approved the first day 
of April, 1836, the townships of Ross, Chesnuthill, Toby- 
hanna, Pocono, Hamilton, Stroud, and Smithfield, north 
of the Blue mountain, in Northampton, and Coolbaugh in 
Pike county, are erected into a county called Monroe. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Montgomery coun- 
ty ? 

A. Montgomery county is bounded by Philadelphia 
county S. E., Delaware county S., in part an artificial line 
and in part the Schuylkill river, separates it from Chester 
S. W., on the N. W. a range of hills, or rather a minor 
chain of mountains, separates it from Bucks, and on the 
N. E. it is bounded by Bucks. This county is nearly a 
parallelogram of 24 by 16 miles. It is divided into the 
following townships : Abington, Cheltenham, Douglas, 
Franconia, Frederick, Gwynedd, Hatfield, Horsham, Lim- 
erick, Lower Merion, Lower Providence, Lower Salford, 
Marlborough, Montgomery, Moreland, New Hanover, 
Norriton, Perkiomen, Plymouth, Pottsgrove, Springfield, 
Towamensing, Upper Hanover, Upper Dublin, Upper Me- 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. 81 

rion, Upper Providence, Upper Salford, Whitemarsh, 
Whitpaine, and Worcester. 

There are no mountains, but there are some bold and 
striking hills on the north and west, and the face of the 
country is agreeably diversified by hill and dale. The 
soil is generally of good quality, particularly along the 
valley of the Schuylkill, and in the townships ol Abington, 
Upper Dublin, Springfield, Whitemarsh, Plymouth, and 
Upper Merien, in which the limestone prevails. The or- 
dinary timber is white and black oak, walnut, hickory, 
and chesnut. The state of agriculture in the greater part 
of the county, is equal to that in any part of the United 
States. 

The county is drained by the various confluents of Per- 
kiomen and Wissahickon creeks. Among its most valua- 
ble minerals is the beautiful marble of White Marsh. — 
Norristown is the seat of justice. Population in 1830, 
1,116. This place is quite noted for mechanic industry, 
and literary societies. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Northumberland 
county? 

A. Northumberland county is bounded by the Mahan- 
tango river, separating it from Dauphin S., by the Susque- 
hanna river, separating it from Union W., and part of Ly- 
coming N. W., by another part of Lycoming N., Colum- 
bia N. E. and E., and by Schuylkill S. E. ' Length from 
S. to N. 40 miles ; and the area being about 440 square 
miles, the mean breadth will be 1 1 ; but the width is 
very unequal ; in one place below the east branch it is 24 
miles wide, and at another about 3 miles ; above the bo- 
rough of Northumberland, it is confined to a width of less 
than 4 miles, though at a distance of 16 miles from the 
northern extremity. It is divided into the following town- 
ships: Augusta, Shamokin, Rush, Turbut, Chillisquaque, 



g2 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

Point, Little Mahanoy, Upper Mahanoy, and Lower Ma- 
hanoy. 

The county lies within the great central transition for- 
mation of the state, and like every other portion of that 
region, is covered with mountains. The portion on the 
southeast side of the North branch of the Susquehanna, 
abounds with anthracite coal, especially the Mahanoy 
mountain and valley. There are beds of iron ore in Sha- 
mokin township, near which a furnace and forge are em- 
ployed in the manufacture of iron. This county is well 
watered. There are several turnpike roads passing thro' 
this county. Sunbury is the seat of justice. Population 
in 1830, 1056. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Northampton coun- 
ty? 

A. Northampton county is bounded by Bucks county 
south, Lehigh southwest, Schuylkill west, Luzerne north- 
west, Pike north, and Delaware separating it from War- 
ren county New Jersey east. Length diagonally from 
the extreme southern angle on Bucks, to the extreme 
northern on Luzerne, 46 miles ; the greatest width west- 
ward from Delaware river to the western angle on Schuyl- 
kill and Luzerne, is very near equal to the length. It is 
divided into the following townships: Allen, Bethlehem, 
Bushkill, Chesnut Hill, East Penn, Forks, Hanover, Ham- 
ilton, Lehigh, Lausanne, Lower Nazareth, Lower Saucon, 
Lower Mt. Bethel, Moore, Plainfield, Pokono, Ross, Stroud, 
Smithfleld, Towamensing, Upper Mt. Bethel, Upper Naz- 
areth, Tobyhanna, Mauch Chunk, Williams. The surface, 
is highly diversified, more so than that of any part of 
Pennsylvania, or even of the United States. South of the 
Kittatinny, locally called the Blue Mountain, is a pretty 
extensive portion of the Kittatinny Valley. The very pe^ 
culiar formation of limestone and slate, which is found in. 



OF PENNSYLVANIA* 83 

-this valley from the Delaware river to the Susquehanna, 
is remarkably striking here. The limestone borders on 
the South Mountain, the slate on the Kittatinny, meeting 
in the centre of the valley. In the region of the former, 
we find the most superior soil, in the latter the bolder 
feature of nature. Both are highly productive in grain, 
fruits, and pasturage. From many of the higher eminen- 
ces of the South Mountain, the cultivated regions, in beau- 
teous prospect, spread before the eye like a vastly exten- 
sive garden. 

That portion of the county, northwest of the Kittatinny 
being diversified with mountainous ridges and valleys, 
varies in fertility. But the soil, north of the Blue Moun- 
tain, even where susceptible of cultivation, is much inferi- 
or to that which is south. Indeed, the mountain forms a 
line of demarkation between two climates. Vegetation 
is about a fortnight earlier on the south side of the moun- 
tain than on the north. This part of Northampton, how- 
ever, is but little improved, and, with few exceptions, may 
be pronounced an almost unbroken wilderness. About 
one-fourth of the county is cultivated, — about one-third is 
susceptible of cultivation. 

The county is well watered by the Delaware, Lehigh, 
and their tributaries. It is bounded on the east by the 
Delaware river, which has, for twenty-five miles, a very 
meandering course through a mountainous country. The 
Lehigh is emphatically the river of this county, having, 
within its limits, many of its sources, and the greater part 
of its course. 

The mineral wealth of this county is great, especially 
that of iron and coal. Easton its the seat of justice ; pop 
ulation in 1830, was 3,529. The town is supplied with 
water, conveyed in iron pipes from a spring about a mile 
from the borough. 



94 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Perry county t 

A. Perry county is bounded by the Kittatinny mourn 
tains, separating it from Cumberland south, by Franklin 
southwest, Tuscarora mountain separating it from Juni- 
ata county northwest and north, and by trie Susquehanna, 
separating it from Dauphin east. Length 36 miles, mean 
width 15. It is divided into the following townships : Buf- 
falo, Greenwood, Juniata, Liverpool, Rye, Saville, Toboy- 
ne, Tyrone, Wheatfield. This county is mountainous— 
the valleys are fertile. The principal strea ins are the Juni- 
ata, Shermans creek, Raccoon creek and a few others. 
Iron ore is found in various parts of the county. 

There is a warm medicinal spring on the bank of Sher- 
mans creek, in a romantic and healthy situation about 
11 miles north of Carlisle, twenty-two west of Harrisburg, 
eight from Sterret's, and four from Wagoner's gap in the 
north or Blue mountain, and four from Landisburg. The 
waters used in bathing are beneficial in cutaneous disor- 
ders, and taken inwardly, operate gently as a purgative, 
and powerfully as a diuretic. It rises at the foot of Qua- 
ker hill, and emits about ninety gallons the minute. Its 
temperature is nearly that of creek, or river water in the 
summer season. Mr. John Hippie has erected a commo- 
dious house here for the entertainment of visitors. . This 
place is worthy the attention of the invalid, the natura- 
list and virtuoso. 

Bloomfield, the seat of justice, is situated in the east- 
ern part of the county, and has had a very rapid growth. 
In 1832 the number of inhabitants was three hundred and 
fifty ; and, about nine years before, the place was a clover 
field without a building upon it. 

Q«3>Vhat are the boundaries, &c. of Philadelphia coun- 
ty ? i 

A. The following, taken from Darby's & Dwight's U- 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. 85 

8. Gazetteer, gives a brief, yet satisfactory, answer to this 
question. 

Philadelphia county is bounded by Delaware county 
S. W., Montgomery N. W., Bucks N. E., Delaware river 
separating it from Burlington county, N. Jersey, E., and 
Gloucester county, N. Jersey, S. Length from S. W. to 
N. E. 22 miles, mean width 7, and area 154 square miles. 
Extending in latitude from 39 degrees 52 minutes to 40 
degrees 8 minutes, and in longitude from 1 degree 47 
minutes to 2 degrees 8 minutes east from Washington 
City. Bounded on one side by the Delaware, and tra- 
versed by the Schuylkill, the confluence of these two 
streams is made in the southern part of the county. The 
general declivity is to the south westward, in the direction 
of the mean course of the Schuylkill, and at right angles 
to that of the Delaware. Though comparatively confined 
in extent, the features of this county are very strongly 
contrasted.- The upper and northern part is beautifully 
broken by hills and dales, whilst the lower and southern 
section is composed of recent alluvion, and is an almost 
dead level. The primitive ledge, on the margin of which 
the city of Philadelphia is built, traverses the county from 
S. W. to N. E., arresting the tide of Schuylkill river within 
the precints of the city. On the Delaware, the scenery is 
rather tame, but along the Schuylkill and Wissahiccon 
creek becomes picturesque, and in many places even 
wild and bold. The variety of sites for country resi- 
dences in the northern part of the county, adds no little 
advantage to Philadelphia ; and the inexhaustable masses 
of gneis, affords more than an ample supply of material 
for the rougher, more solid, and more durable kinds of 
architecture. Besides the city of Philadelphia and places 
adjoining, the county contains the boroughs or towns of 
Frankford, Germantown, Manayunk, Holmesburg, Bustle- 

8 



86 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

ton, Smithfield, Richmond, Dyottville, &c. Population, 
including Philadelphia city and suburbs, 1820, 137,097; 
3830, 1 £8,961. (See description of Philadelphia City.) 
Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Pike county ? 

A. Pike county is bounded by Northampton S., the 
northern branch of the Lehigh separating it from Lu- 
zerne W., and Wallenpaupack creek separating it from 
Wayne N. W., Lackawaxen river separating it from 
Wayne N., Delaware river separating it from Sullivan 
county, N. York, N. E., and by Delaware river separating 
it from New Jerse}>-, E., and Warren county, New Jersey. 
S. E. Length, crossing diagonally from east to west, 48 
miles; mean breadth 15. The most prominent features 
of this county, are a rocky, barren soil, covered, in some 
parts, with valuable timber. The inhabitants depend 
chiefly on their forests for support. Along the borders of 
the Delaware, however, the aspect of things is totally dif- 
ferent. Here, we find extensive fertile valleys, thickly 
populated, and highly cultivated. Milford, the seat of 
justice, has a high location on the banks of the river Dela- 
ware. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Potter county ? 

A. Potter county is bounded by Lycoming S., M'Kean. 
W., Alleghany county of New York, N., Steuben county. 
New York, N. E., and Tioga county, Pa. E. Length, from 
south to north, 37 miles, breadth 30. The soil is univer- 
sally loam, mingled, in the valleys of the rivers, with much 
vegetable mould. Alleghany river, Genesee, Pine creek 
and others rise in this county. Coal and iron are found 
in many places. Coudersport is the seat of justice. 

The following extract of a letter published in Hazard's 
Register, gives us some idea of the early settlement of thi.« 
county. 
The writer says : " It was very lonesome for a number 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. 87 

off years. I made some little clearing, and planted some 
garden seeds, &c. the first spring. We brought a small 
stock of pi ovisions with us. On the third of July, I started 
with my two yoke of oxen to go to Jersey Shore to mill, 
to procure flour. I crossed Pine creek 80 times going, and 
80 times returning from mill; was gone 18 days, broke 
two axletrees to my wagon, upset twice, and one wheel 
eame off, in crossing the creek. 

" Jersey Shore was the nearest place to procure provi- 
sions, and the road w T as dreadiul. The few seeds that I 
was able to plant the first year, yielded but little produce 
We, however, raised some half grown potatoes, some tur- 
nips, and some soft corn, with which we made out to live 
without suffering, till the next spring. At planting time, 
I planted all the seeds that I had left, and when I finished 
planting, we had nothing to eat but leeks, cow cabbage 
and milk. We lived on leeks and cow cabbage as long as 
they kept green, about six weeks— my family consisted of 
my wife and two children, and I Was obliged to work, 
though faint for want of food. 

" The first winter, the snow fell very deep. The first 
winter month, it snowed twenty-five days out of thirty- 
one; and during the winter months, it snowed seventy 
days. I sold one yoke of oxen in the fall, the other pair I 
wintered on browse, but in the spring one ox died, and the 
other I sold to procure food for my family, and was now 
destitute of a team, and had nothing but my own hands to 
depend upon, to clear my lands and raise provisions. — 
We wore out all our shoes the first year, we had no way 
to get more, no money, nothing to sell, and but little to 
eat, and were in dreadful distress for the want of the ne- 
cessaries of life. I was obliged to work and travel in the 
woods barefooted. After a while our clothes were worn 
out, our family increased, and the children were nearly 
naked, I had a broken slate that I brought from Jersey 



88 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

Shore. I sold that, and bought two fawn skins, of which 
my wife made a petticoat for Mary; and Mary wore the 
petticoat till she out grew it, then Rhoda took it till she 
out grew it, and then it fell to Abigal, and she wore it 
out. 

" For several years my crops were much injured by 
frost, and my fruit trees would not grow well ; but for se- 
veral years past, my crops have been seldom injured by 
frost, and my fruit trees grow, and bear remarkably well. 
My land was given to me, and I now have 16 acres cleared 
on this farm. 

" I have now eleven in my family, have sixteen head 
of neat cattle, twenty-nine sheep, and have sustained 
some losses. I have endured some hardships here, but it 
is a healthy country, the water is fine, and the land, if well 
tilled, produces good crops. The country has hitherto 
settled slowly, but the population and improvements are 
rapidly increasing, and the prospects of the country are 
very encouraging. 

" I raise on my small farm an abundance of all the ne- 
cessaries of life, and have always something to spare. — 
Our children often cried for bread, during the first years 
of our settlement here, but we have now bread enough 
and to spare, and all other needed temporal comforts, 
wherewith we are well contented, and for which, I hope, 
we render a daily tribute of heartfelt gratitude. 

" The morals of the people here, have improved in pro- 
portion to the country. Until within a few years past. 
Potter county seemed to be a sink of iniquity ; drunken- 
ness and profanity, Sabbath-breaking and gambling, were 
the leading features of the state of society ; but the scene 
is now greatly changed, and enterprise, industry, sobriety, 
peace and good order, and religion have gained the as- 
cendancy. We now raise buildings without a drop f of 
spirits being drunk on the occasion, without any broils 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. 89 

and contentions, and without an oath. We have stated 
preaching by different denominations at Coudersport ; 
and the Sabbath day is generally regarded. 
Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Schuylkill county ? 

A. Schuylkill county is bounded southwest by Dauphia, 
west by Northumberland, Columbia northwest, Luzerne 
north, Northampton northeast, and the Kittatinny moun- 
tain separating it from Lehigh county east, and Berks S. 
east, Length from southwest to northeast 37 miles, mean 
breadth 18. It is divided into the following townships: 
Barry, Brunswick, Lower Mahantango, Manheim, Norwe- 
gian, Pine Grove, Rush, Schuylkill, Union, Upper Mahan- 
tango, West Penn, Wayne, The surface is generally hil- 
ly, very mountainous, and the soil, except near the 
streams, and some rare and favorable spots, is rough and 
and rocky. It is drained principally by the Mahony, 
Mahantango and Swatara creeks, which flow into the 
Susequehanna river. The whole county is of transition. 
and abounds with anthracite coal ; but no iron ore has yet 
been discovered of a quality sufficiently good for smelting. 
This is a great coal country. During the year 1834, 224,- 
000 tons of coal were sent from the mines, which at an 
average price of six dollars per ton, would amount to 
1,344,000 dollars. 

Considering the mountainous surface and thin popula- 
tion of this county, the roads are very numerous. In all 
directions they may be seen winding through the valleys, 
and around the mountains, and in some places boldly as- 
cending the steep acclivities. A turnpike from Reading 
passes through the county. 

Orwigsburg is the seat of justice. Population in 1830. 
was 773. 



90 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Somerset county ? 
A. Somerset county is bounded by Fayette W., West- 
moreland N W., by Cambria N., by Bedford E., anl by 
Alleghany county, Md. S. Length 38 miles, mean width 
27. It is divided into the following townships : Addison, 
Alleghany, Brothers' Valley, Conemaugh, Elk Lick, Green- 
ville, Jenner, Milford, Quemahoning, Stoney Creek, Som_ 
erset, Southampton, Shade, and Turkey Foot. 

The great portion of the county lies west of the main 
ridge of the Alleghany, and the whole is embraced by that 
ridge and the little Alleghany mountain on the east, and 
the Laurel Hill on the west ; and is therefore within the 
great secondary formation of the state. Besides the 
mountains we have named, there is a considerable eleva- 
tion running in from Maryland, through nearly half the 
county, which is called Negro mountain, and forms a di- 
viding ridge for the waters. Yet the county cannot be 
termed very hilly ; part is rolling, and part level ; the soil, 
generally of loam, is well adapted to grain, and the clayey 
portions peculiarly fitted for meadow grasses. Few 
counties in the state are better watered than this. Salt, 
coal, and iron ore are found in various parts of the 
county. 

Somerset is the seat of justice. The population in 1830 
was 649, 

" Q. What are the boundaries &c. of Susquehanna coun- 
ty? 

A. Susquehanna county is bounded by Wayne county 
E., Luzerne S., Bradford W., and Broome county of New 
York, N. Length 35 miles, from E. to W., width 25. It 
is divided into the following townships : Auburn, Bridge- 
water, Brooklyn, Clifford, Choconut, Dundaff, Gibson, 
Great Bend, Harford, Herrick, Harmony, Jackson, Laws- 
ville, Lennox, Middleton, New Milford, Rush, Silver Lake K 
Springfield, and Waterford. 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. 91 

The surface of the county is moderately uneven ; the 
hills are chiefly in ridges, and running parallel with the 
streams, are adapted to grain, and may be cultivated quite 
to their summits. Some elevations have the name of 
mountains, but their ascent is generally gradual and the 
soil excellent. 

This county is well watered. The North Branch enters 
the N. E. angle of the county, and flowing round the 
Oquago mountain, for about sixteen miles, making the 
" Great Bend," returns to the state of New York, and 
thence, after an immense sweep through Broome and 
Tioga counties in New York, and Bradford in Pennsyl- 
vania, it again nearly reaches Susquehanna county at 
the southw T est angle. As all the other streams of the 
county are tributary to this, they flow north, west, and 
south, as from the centre, to the circumference of a circle. 
Near Snake creek is a salt spring, from which excellent 
salt has been made ; near the spring is a slate quarry. 

Montrose is the seat of justice. The population in 1830 
was 415. 
Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Tioga county ? 
A. Tioga county is bounded E. by Bradford, S. E. and 
S. by Lycoming, W. by Potter, and N. by Steuben county, 
New York. Length 36 miles, mean width 32. 

The surface of the country is diversified. Some parts 
are smooth and unbroken, others are rough and moun- 
tainous. The soil is equally various ; in that part of the 
county through which the Tioga flows, it is of a superior 
quality, and the county is thickly inhabited. 

Tioga is well timbered. The more elevated parts, near 
the margins of large streams, are covered with a luxuriant 
growth of large pine. The inhabitants are well supplied 
with sugar from the sugar maple, which is very abundant 
in many places. 



92 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

This county is rich in mineral productions. Besides 
salt, iron, and coal, several others have been discovered, 
namely, pyrites, bismuth, lead, and some gold and silver. 
Copperas may very easily be manufactured from the sul. 
phuret of iron, or pyrites, merely, by throwing it into large 
heaps, where it is exposed to the action of the atmosphere. 
Bismuth, in its metallic state, is used in the manufacture 
of pewter, printers' types, &c. and is usefully employed to 
increase the hardness of lead. This article was formerly 
brought from Saxony, and until found in this county, was 
not probably known to exist in the United States. 

Wellsboro' is the seat of justice. Population in 1830 
not exceeding 300. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Union county ? 

A. Union county is bounded S. and S. W. by Mifflin, 
N. W. by Centre, N. by Lycoming, N. E. by the west 
branch of the Susquehanna river, separating it from the 
northern part of Northumberland, and E. and S. E. by the 
main volume of the Susquehanna, separating it from Dau- 
phin. The greatest length is from S. to N. 30 miles paral- 
lel to the general course of the Susquehanna river, and 
nearly on the meridian of Washington City; mean width 
20 miles. It is divided into the following townships : 
Beaver, East Buffalo, West Buffalo, Chapman, Centre, 
Hartley, Kelly, Penn, Union, Perry, Washington, White 
Deer, and Mifflin sburg. 

This county, which, although mountainous, is not rug- 
ged, lies in the range of the Alleghanies, and in the cen- 
tral transition formation. The branches of the mountains 
traverses it in a direction about east, north east. The 
chief ridges are the White Deer, Nittany, Buffalo, Jack's 
and Shade mountains ; of which Jack's mountain is the 
most lofty, being considered the highest ground in the 
county. This county is well watered. 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. 93 

For some years the attention of the public have been di- 
rected to the discovery of iron ore. The external indica- 
tions of this useful mineral present themselves in many 
places, but as yet no considerable body has been found. 
In Buffalo valley, in White Deer, in Hartley township, and 
many other places there is iron ore of a good quality, in 
rolled masses, and geodes on the surface of the ground. 
Mines have been opened, but in no instance has the qual- 
ity been sufficient to encourage the miner to prosecute 
his labors. Of pig iron, a large body lies in the flat ex- 
tending from the Sunbury ferry to the neighborhood of 
Selin's Grove; its quality is said to be good. It is cellu- 
lar and of light brown color. Another bed of bog iron 
ore was discovered on Philip Herrold's farm, ten miles be- 
low Selin's Grove. This also is cellular, of a darker col- 
or, and much harder and heavier than the first mention- 
ed. It was accidentally discovered in digging a drain 
connected with the canal. 

Lead ore has been discovered, of a rich quality, and in- 
dications of this metal are found in the long narrows in 
Hartley township. 

A body of iron pyrites was some years since accident- 
ally discovered in digging a mill race on Jacob Kehr's 
land, on Penn's creek, about 4 miles above New Berlin ; 
a spring issues from the rock, the water of which immedi- 
ately blackens any tin or iron vessel into which it is put. 
Mineral coal has of a late been eagerly sought for, .and 
lands supposed to contain it have risen greatly in price. 
Black slate and bituminous shale, which are considered 
indications of coal, have been found in places. 

New Berlin is the seat of justice. Population in 1830, 
not exceeding 600. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Venango county ? 

A. Venango county is bounded N. W. by Crawford, N. 
and N. E. by Warren, E. by Jefferson, S. E, by Clarion 



94 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

river, separating it from Armstrong, S. W. by Butler, and 
W. by Mercer. Length from E. to W. 40 miles, mean 
width 23. 

The face of the country is hilly and somewhat broken, 
being deeply furrowed by the many streams which spread 
over it in every direction. Along these streams are some 
extensive and rich alluvial flats ; the soil generally may 
be considered of good quality. The Alleghany river en- 
ters the county from Warren, on the line between Allegha- 
ny and Hickory townships, and meanders through it by a 
S. W., S. and S. E. course, and quits it on the boundary 
line between Scrub Grass and Richland township, having 
through all its windings a length of 70 miies within the 
county on the E., Teonista creek, Hemlock creek, Six 
Mile run, and on the southern boundary Toby's creek or 
Clarion river, which is also the recipient of a number of 
streams which flow from the county southwardly. On 
the W. the Alleghany river receives from the county, Oil 
creek, Sugar creek, French creek, Sandy creek, Scrub 
Grass creek, and some smaller streams. The Allegha- 
ny is navigable for steam-boats four or five months in the 
year, into Warren county, and the Pennsylvania canal, 
stretching to lake Erie, follows the bank of French creek 
from the river, 43 miles. To the mouth of this creek 
steam boats of 2 or 3 hundred tons have ascended. 

Franklin is the seat of justice. Population in 1830, was 
440. 

Q. What are the boundaries. &c. of Warren county? 

A. Warren county is bounded, east by McKean, south- 
east by Jefferson, S. by Venango, west by Crawford, N. 
west by Erie, north by Chatauque county New York, and 
northeast by Cattaraugus county New York. It lies in form 
of a parallelogram, 32 miles from east to west, and 28 from 
south to north. The face of the country is greatly diver- 
sified—the surface moderately undulating yet not hilly 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. 95 

Some parts of it, especially that bordering on Broken 
Straw creek is very stony, so that a witty Yankee said, 
when his eye was directed, not to the Skee-eye, but to the 
rocks : " This will never probably be settled, unless by and 
earthquake!" "So that when the Skee-eye" falls we will 
catch lee-arks" Few counties of similar extent are so 
well supplied with water. The principal of which is the 
Alleghany with its numberless tributaries. Warren is the 
seat of justice ; finely situated on the north bark of the 
Alleghany. Population in 1830, not exceeding 550. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Washington coun- 
ty? 

A. Washington county is bounded N. W. by Beaver 
county, N. and N. E. by Alleghany, E. by Monongahela 
river separating it from Westmoreland and Fayette, S- 
by Greene county, S. W. by Ohio county Virginia, and 
W. by Brooke county Virginia. The longest line that can 
be drawn in this county is diagonally in a N. W. direction 
from the Ten Mile creek to the N. W. angle on Virginia 
45 miles, mean breadth in a .similar direction 22 miles. It 
is divided into the following townships : Amwell, E. Bethle- 
hem, W. Bethlehem, Buffalo, Cross Creek, Canton, Ce- 
cil, Chartiers, Donegal, Fallowfield, E. Findlay, Hopewell. 
Hanover, Mount Pleasant, Morris, Nottingham, Peters. 
Pike Run, Robinson, Somerset, Smith, Strabane. 

Lying in the great western secondary formation, the 
county possesses the minerals usually found in that for- 
mation, coal, iron and salt. But salt licks are not numer- 
ous, nor is there any iron made in the county. Like the 
greater portion of Western Pennsylvania, this county, 
surveyed from an elevation and from a distance, has the 
appearance of one vast plain ; but it is in reallity deeply 
indented by many streams, which have formed valleys of 
greater or lesser width and depth, and the surface has. 



96 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

therefore, a rolling character, and in some places m ay be 
termed hilly. 

The Monongahela river flows N. full 25 miles along the 
eastern border, receiving in its course Ten Mile creek, 
which forms the southern border of the county, Pike run, 
Pigeon creek and several small streams. Peter's creek, 
Chartier's creek and Raccoon creek are also tributaries 
of that river from this county, but their embouchures are 
in Alleghany county, into which they flow northerly, 
Herman's creek, Cross creek, Buffalo creek, Wheeling 
creek, Fish creek and their several branches are tributa- 
ries of the Ohio river into which they flow westward. 

Washington is the seat of justice. Population in 1830. 
was 1,860. (See Article Washington.) 
; Q,. What are the boundaries, &c. of Wayne county ? 

A. Wayne county is bounded S. E. and S. by Pike 
county, S. W. by Luzerne, W. by Susquehanna, N. by 
Broome county New York, by Delaware river separating 
it from Delaware county New York N. E., and from Sul- 
livan county New York E. . Greatest length is along its 
western border, 54 miles in common with Luzerne and 
Susquehanna, counties, mean breadth 12. It is divided | 
into the following townships : Buckingham, Canaan, Da- 
mascus, Dyberry, Lebanon, Mount Pleasant, Palmyra. 
Salem, Sterling, Preston, Scott, Manchester, Berlin. 

The surface of the county is very unequal, comprising 
much of the variety pertaining to mountainous regions. 
Its principal features are a continuous upland which oc- 
cupies the largest portion, indented by long narrow val- 
leys, and a few lofty eminences, to which only the name 
of mountains should be applied. The general elevation of 
this table land is estimated at thirteen hundred feet above 
the level of tide water. 

y The higlands are much broken by the ramifications of 
the valleys, and the subsidence of their bases. These ine- 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. 97 

■qualities, however, offer no insuperable obstacles to culti- 
vation, the slopes being, commonly, gentle. 

The valleys are the peculiar drains of the county; each 
having its proper channel into which the springs and riv- 
ulets flow. Lakes are formed in every township except 
Sterling. These elegant little sheets of water, clear as 
crystal, comprise from 50 to 300 acres, and contribute 
much to the beauty of the landscapes. Their outlets form 
some of the capital streams of the county. At first, the 
course of the waters is generally rapid, and this circum- 
stance, with the favorable slope of the banks, affords innu- 
merable situations for mills. 

The county is well watered, in every sense of the word. 
Clay iron ore has been discovered near Belmont. Anthra- 
cite coal is found on the sources of the head waters of the 
Lackawanna in this county. 

Bethany is the seat of justice. The population, in 1830, 
was 327. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Westmoreland coun* 
ty? 

A. Westmoreland county is bounded by Laurel Hill, 
separating it from Somerset, S. E. ; by Fayette S. ; by 
the Monongahela river, separating it from Washington 
county, S. W. ; by Youghioghany river, separating it from 
the extreme southern part of Alleghany county, W. ; by 
the central part of Alleghany N. W. ; by the Allegha- 
ny, separating it from the northern part of Alleghany 
county, N. ; and by Conemaugh river, separating it from 
Armstrong and Indiana, N. E. The longest line is a di- 
agonal, 50 miles from the southern angle on Laurel Hill 
to the northern at the mouth of Conemaugh; mean breadth^ 
21 miles. It is divided into the following townships : Alle- 
ghany, Derry, Donegal, E. Huntingdon, Fairfield, Frank- 
lin, Hempfield, Ligonier, Mount Pleasant, North Hunting- 

9 



98 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

don, Rostraver, South Huntingdon, Unity, and "Washing- 
ton. 

This county is broken into hills by the streams and wa- 
ter courses, whose valleys have commonly a depth and 
breadth proportionate to the magnitude of the volumes of 
water which flow into them. Yet few counties in the U. 
States, in proportion to surface, have more good land. — 
Fruits, grasses, — vegetables of every kind, suitable to the 
climate, grow abundantly. The county is well watered. 
Iron ore and salt abound, 

Greensburg is the seat of justice. Population in 1830? 
was 801. 

r Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of York county ? ! 

A. York, one of the southern counties, is bounded by 
Adams county W., Cumberland N. W., Susquehanna 
river, separating it from Dauphin E., and Lancaster N. E. 
and E., by Harford county in Maryland S., and Frederick 
county, Md. S. W. York county bounds on Maryland 42 
miles, but the longest part is a line parallel to the general 
course of the Susquehanna river, 48 miles ; mean width, 
18. It is divided into the following townships: Codorus, 
Carroll, Conewago, Dover, East Manchester, Fairview, 
Fawn, Franklin, Hallam, Heidleberg, Hopewell, Lower 
Chauceford, Manheim, Monaghan, Newberry, Paradise? 
Peach Bottom, Shrewsbury, Upper Chauceford, Washing- 
ton, Warrington, West Manchester, Windsor, York, 
and Spring Garden. 

The county is divided between the three geological for- 
mations. The primitive occupies nearly the eastern half 
of the county; the secondary the central portion, and 
contains a strip of limestone about five miles in width, 
in which is marble of an excellent quality. The transi- 
tion, or old red sand stone formation, claims the re- 
mainder. The chain of hills known as the Conewago 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. 



99 



hii cross the S.E. angle, and the South mountain bounds 
the county on the N. W. In Windsor township, on the 
Susquehanna, there is abundance of iron ore, well adapted 
for casting, and, though formerly not prized for forging, 
has latterly been successfully used for that purpose. — 
Slate of excellent quality for roofing, is found in Peach 
Bottom township, and bituminous coal has been discover" 
ed within two miles of the borough of York, but from 
late examinations, the quantity is supposed to be inconsid- 
erable. 

The county is finely watered, the noble Susquehanna 
flowing along its greatest length ; the several branches 
and smaller streams discharging themselves into the 
Great Codorus, the Conewago, and the Yellow Breeches, 
which, together with Muddy Creek, Fishing Creek, Eea- 
ver Creek, Creutz Creek, Cabbin Branch, Canadochly 
and Otter creeks, with others, flow eastwardly into the 
river. The Codorus is a very fine stream, running 
through the town of York, and has lately been rendered 
navigable by artificial means, through the enterprize and 
liberality of the citizens of that borough. The Yellow 
Breeches flows along the N. W. boundary of the county, 
A canal of about one mile in length has been cut around 
the Conewago falls, by which the descending trade of the 
river may avoid the dangers of that rapid. 

York is the seat of justice. Population in 1830 was 
4,216. 

During the session of Congress in the town of York, 
in 1777, Philip Livingston, a member of that body, died here, 
and was buried in the cemetry of the German Reformed 
church. A monument has been erected to his memory, 
consisting of a pyramid of white marble, surmounted by 
an urn. 

jN'ote. — This county was formerly noted, for having 



200 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

serious and bloody contentions about their boundaries. — 
It is about a century since the first settlements were com- 
menced by emigrants from Germany and the north of 
Ireland. Previous to the year 1728, unauthorized settlers 
seated themselves on lands in this county, but at the 
close of the year, they were removed at the request of 
the Indians. In the year 1731, Cressap, and others, un- 
der a pretence of a title from Maryland, located them- 
selves on the same lands, from which the former intru- 
ders had been driven off. The consequence of these 
unlawful proceedings, was long, angry, and bloody con- 
tentions, until, finally, by the interference of the king 
and council, Cressap was captured, and the contention ter- 
minated. 

Q. Which are the principal Cities and Towns in Penn- 
sylvania ? 

A. Philadelphia, Lancaster, and Pittsburg, which are 
cities, and the following towns, Westchester, Reading, 
Harrisburg, Carlisle, Chambersburg, York, Easton, and 
Washington. 

Q. Can you give a brief description of these ? 

A. I can. 

JPhilfedelphia City, the largest city in Pennsyl- 
vania, and the second in size in the United States, is 
situated in the county of the same name, between the De- 
laware and Schuylkill rivers, about five miles above the 
junction of the two streams, 120 miles from the Atlantic 
by the course of the Delaware, and 55 miles from it in a 
straight line to the S. E. The state house in Chesnut 
street between Fifth and Sixth streets, stands in latitude 
39 degrees, 56 minutes, and 51 seconds ; longitude 75 de- 
grees, 10 minutes and 5 seconds W. of Greenwich, and 1 
degree, 46 minutes, and 30 seconds E. of the city of Wash- 
ington. The city lies 30 miles below the head of steam 
navigation on the Delaware, 96 from Harrisburg, 89 from 






. 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. 101 

.New York, 98 from Baltimore, and 120 statute miles, or 
by the post route 136 miles, from Washington city. In its 
natural state, the ground on which Philadelphia stands, 
was an undulating alluvial plain. The Indian name, Coa- 
quahanock, was changed to that of Philadelphia, and the 
city regularly laid out into streets crossing each other at 
right angles, extending by a small angle from the true 
meridians. This regularity does not extend however to 
either of the suburbs or liberties. In the latter, the streets 
in part correspond to those in the city, in part they are 
at right angles to each other, but oblique to those, of the 
city; and in part they are irregular, crossing at acute 
and obtuse angles. Dock street is the only one, either 
in the city or Liberties, which extends in curved lines. 
Happily the undulating surface on which the body of the 
city is built, has been left untouched by the rage for lev- 
elling, and contributes also to clear the streets of filth 
whenever rain falls on them; an advantage relinquished 
in places where a different policy has prevailed. Philadel- 
phia, like New York, stands on a superstratum of porous 
alluvion, based on primitive rock, which is an additional 
cause of cleanliness and dryness. The environs of Phila- 
delphia on the Delaware, have been justly admired for 
the richness, and along the banks of the Schuylkill, for 
the variety of their scenery. 

Without due attention to the cause, it may excite some 
surprise that the scenery of the Delaware should present 
features so much more monotonous than that of the 
.Schuylkill; but the geological structure of the country 
explains the difference. The primitive rock ledge, on the 
margin of which Philadelphia is situated, is at that city, 
only touched by the Delaware ; whilst on the contrary, it 
is there that the Schuylkill emerges from the regions of 
hills based on the primitive, and meets the tide. If the two 
rivers are compared as to their relative connexion with 

q* 



102 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

the primitive ledge, the Delaware forms the traverse at 
Trenton, similar to that of the Schuylkill river at Philadel- 
phia. 

The city was founded in 1682, by William Penn : its 
original form was a parallelogram, extending from the 
Delaware to the Schuylkill, and more than a mile on these 
rivers. Its present limits are much enlarged, and embrace 
in the northern and southern suburbs,, an important part 
of its population. It is accessible by the Delaware for 
vessels of six hundred tons burthen ; and the Schuylkill is 
navigable for vessels of lighter draught above its junc- 
tion with the Delaware ; the navigation in the winter sea- 
son, is much obstructed by ice. 

That part of the city adjacent to the Delaware was for- 
merly the principal seat of business ; but since the coal 
mines in the interior of the state have been opened, their 
immense importance, with the facilities for the transac- 
tion of business afforded by the completion of railroads 
and canals, terminating in that vicinity, have directed the 
attention of the public to the Schuylkill, and business is 
rapidly increasing on its banks. The numerous stores 
and other buildings erected in this part of the city, are 
the best evidence of the growing importance of this 
branch of domestic enterprise. 

The city itself, as was before remarked, is laid out with 
regularity; the streets crossing each other at right an- 
gles. There are nearly 600 of these, generally paved with 
good walks of brick ; some of them are broad, and are 
fine promenades. There are also several public squares, 
which contribute in a great degree to the beauty and com- 
fort of the city ; one of them contains 10 acres of land. 
Public sewers have been constructed under most of the 
principal streets, which carry the filth of the city to the 
Delaware, and promote, in a high degree, the health and 
comfort of the inhabitants. Tre city is built with a de- 



OF PEXNS YLY ANI A. 103 

gree of neatness and beauty which is scarcely surpassed 
in the United States. The houses are generally of brick, 
and are ornamented with steps and window sills, and 
not unfrequently a basement, of white marble. Among 
the most prominent of the public buildings are the U. S. 
bank, a magnificent white marble edifice, copied after 
the Partheon at Athens ; it is 161 by 87 feet, including 
porticoes: the bank of Pennsylvania, also, of white marble, 
modelled after the temple of Minerva, 125 by 51 feet ; the 
mint of the United States, a splendid building faced with 
marble, and presenting a front of 122 feet, embracing a 
portico 62 feet long, and two wings of 30 feet each ; it is 
of the Ionic order, and was taken from a splendid Grecian 
temple on the river Ilissus, near Athens. 

Besides these are the Girard bank, the Philadelphia li- 
brary, the hall ol the Philosophical society, the university 
of Pennsylvania, the arcade, the state house, from which 
the declaration of American independence was first pro- 
mulgated; the academy of fine arts, the hospital, maso- 
nic hall, alms' house, arsenal, exchange, orphans' asylum, 
carpenters' hall, custom house, old and new penitentiary, 
marine asylum, the institution for the deaf and dumb, the 
medical college, three prisons, three theatres, and ten 
markets, one of which is a mile long. 

In 1830, there were 90 churches in the city and suburbs. 
Of these 20 were Presbyterians, 10 Methodists, 9 Episco- 
pal, 7 Friends, 6 Baptists, 5 Lutherans, 4 Roman Catholics, 
10 African, and 19 of other denominations. There are 
four bridges across the Schuylkill: Permanent bridge, 
thrown across from the west end of Market street, is 13GO 
feet long, and cost $235,000. The Fairmount bridge con- 
sists of a single arch of 350 feet span ; it was erected in 
1823, and cost* 150,000 dollars. These are beautiful and 
substantial structures. There are also the Upper or Rail- 
road bridge, built upon a plan similar to the Fairmount 



104 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHIS.lt. 

bridge, and upon which the Columbia railroad cross 
Schuylkill ; and the Lower or Floating bridge, at Gray's 
Ferry. The latter is the oldest bridge. 

In addition to the bank of the United States, with a capi- 
tal of $35,000,000, there are 16 other banks in the city in- 
corporated by the State, with an aggregate capita! 

m dollars; of which 3 1 $.935,000 has been paid in,— 
;apital of the different insurance companies, amounts 
: 15480,000. 

.adelphia is noted for the benevolent disposition of its 
md for the number, variety and ex: 
and literary institutions. Among tins 
: Dned the Pennsylvania hospital, founded in 171 
:" which occupy an entire square : the uni- 
irardeoll:_ edical college, the : 

- spensaric s - for the insane, ho 

nd indigent widows", and - 

n for the deaf and dun. 
the abolition, savings* ft: 

ers. Some of these are worthy of fin 

: and dumb ws 

r, with a e 

: ropriatk I 
indigent pupils from Pennsylvania. 

g 
in depth, and is a chaste and beautiful S] 
::ure. T: expenses 

are about 11.000 ; The number of pm 

•■rhom were males and 
- of Pennsylvania, located in 

:. and in the medical department 365 stu i 
The alms-house is supported at an expense to the p ■ 
of about £50,000 per annum. The city is weB 



OF PE>>'SYLVANIA. iQ- t 

with public schools and academies, some of which are well 

endowed; and it has recently received a most munificent 

. :r the establishment of a college for orphans, by 

ill of the late Stephen Girard. This gentleman, who 
died in 1S31, by his will bequeathed the sum of two mil- 
lions of dollars to the corporation of the city, in trust for 

ndowment of an Orphan College. The site selected 
by Mr. Girard for this object, is one and a fourth mile from 
.1 the Ridge Road, and at a place called Peel 
Hill. It contains forty five acres of land, upon which, by 
the terms of the will, buildings are to be erected for the 
accommodation of 300 pupils, together with those neces- 
sary for the teachers, and for other purposes. Provision 
is made for the education of as many poor orphans as the 
place will accommodate ; the pupils are to be selected, 1st 
from the city of Philadelphia, 2nd from the state of Penn- 
sylvania, 3d from the city of New York, and 4th from the 

f.Xew Olreans. They are to be taught the various 
branches of a sound education, including practical mathe* 
matics, philosophy and the modern languages ; and pro-, 
vision is made for extending the course of study, for those 
who may merit it by distinguished capacity or industry. 

orner stone of the Girard College for Orphans was 
laid, on the 4th July 1533. The building is to be 160 front 

7 feet in flank, including the porticoes. The order is 
Corinthian ; the superstructure will repose on a basement 
in the form of a truncated pyramid, composed of 12 steps 
surrounding the whole building. The columns are to be 
six feet in diameter at the base, and 54 feet six inches 
The body of the building will be of blue marble, 
and the columns, pediment, &c. of white marble. 

The magnificent water works of Philadelphia, by mean* 
of which the city is supplied from the Schuylkill with pure 
and wholesome water, are without a parallel on this side 
of the Atlantic. The water is raised from the river an ; 






106 GEORAPGHICAL CATECHISM 

conveyed into reservoirs, elevated 56 feet above the high- 
est ground in the city. From these reservoirs 3,000,000 
gallons of water are taken daily for the supply of the city. 
72 J -2 miles of iron pipe have already been laid, to convey 
the water, and additions are constantly making. The to- 
tal amount expended for this object is 1,443,583 dollars, 
and the receipts for the present year are estimated at 77,- 
500 dollars. From this source the fire companies are lib- 
erally supplied with water in case of fire; of these, there 
are about 30 engine, and 18 hose companies. The United 
State mint was established by Congress in 1790, and has 
since been continued at Philadelphia. The whole amount 
coined at this establishment from 1793 to 1831 was 37,000- 
000 dollars. In 1831 there was coined 3,932,47360 dollars 
of which 518,000 dollars was from the gold of the United 
States gold. Philadelphia is deservedly celebrated for the 
value and variety of its manufactures. Ali the necessa- 
ries and most of the luxuries of life are manufactured in 
the city and its vicinity, and large quantities of useful and 
fancy articles are annually sent abroad. The internal 
trade of the city is very great, particularly with the Wes- 
tern States. In 1830, 573,876 barrels of flour were inspec- 
ted. The commerce of Philadelphia is also extensive ; the 
tonnage, including registered, enrolled and licenced, in 
1833 amounted to 79,703, of which 44,029 was registered ; 
28,093 enrolled ; 1,615 licenced; and 5,963 foreign. The 
tonnage of new vessels built and registered, from January 
1st to July 1st 1833, was 88,068, is to be employed in the 
foreign trade. The number of arrivals in 1830 was 3,702, 
of which 415 were foreign, coastwise, 3,287; in 1831, 3,602 
of which 396 foreign and 3,206 coastwise. The imports 
of the state chiefly centre here. In the year ending Sep- 
tember 1830, they amounted to $8,702,122, and during the 
same time the exports were, of domestic produce 2,924, 
452, foreign 1,367,341 dollars. There are several exten^ 



OP PENNSYLVANIA. 107 

sive ship yards for building merchant vessels, and the U. 
S. have also a navy yard here. A line of steam pack- 
ets is contemplated to run between this city and Charles- 
ton. The population of the city for several periods, has 
been as follows:— in 1731, 12,000, 1753, 18,000, 1790,42,500, 
1800,70,287. 1810, 96,664, and in 1820, 119,325. In 1830, 
the population of the city and suburbs was as follows :— 



Suburbs N., Northern Liberties, 
Spring Garden, - - 
Penn Township, 
Kensington - - - 


- 31,376 

- 11.141 

- 1,507 

- 13,326 


Suburbs, South, Southwark, East, 
Southwark, West, 
Moyamensing, 
Passyunk, - - - 


- 10,361 

- 19,379 

- 6,822 

- 1,441 

°QQ03 


City 


- - - 89,458 



Total, 166,811 

Though it may seem to be a digression from the gene- 
ral arrangement of this work, to notice other than county 
towns, the writer cannot omit introducing to notice Dy- 
ottville. 

Dyottville is a flourishing village on the banks of the 
Delaware, between Kensington and Richmond, in the ex- 
treme northern suburbs of Philadelphia, and covers a 
space, including the farm, of between three and four hun- 
dred acres. Its locality is remarkable both for beauty and 
health. There are no less than five glass factories here ; 
and the place affords employment for five hundred per- 
sons. 

The limits of this work does not allow us to notice 
all the advantages of this place, afforded to the laboring 



108 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

classes employed. Mr. Dyott certainly merits the praise 
of a philanthropist for the noble system he has there intro- 
duced. For a full detail, we would refer the reader to 
a pamphlet of 94 pp. 8vo., published at Philadelphia, in 
1833, giving "in Exposition of the System of Moral and 
Mental Labor established at the Glass Factory of Dyott- 
ville, in the county of Philadelphia." 

JLf&nc ttSt€r City, the seat of justice of Lancaster Co« 
62 miles W. from Philadelphia and 35 S. E. from the bo- 
rough of Harrisburg. Longitude from Washington City 
40 minutes E., latitude 40 dagrees 3 minutes N. This is 
the largest inland town of Pennsylvania and has long 
been distinguished for its thrift and wealth. It is situated 
in the heart of a rich, populous and well cultivated coun- 
try, of whose trade it is the chief depot. For the conveni- 
ence of intercourse between this city and Philadelphia 
the first turnpike road of the state was commenced in 
1792, and finished in 1794. The commercial prospects of 
the city of Lancaster have been highly improved by the 
slack water navigation lately made on the Conestoga 
creek, which connects the city with the Susquehanna riv- 
er and the Chesapeake bay, and the state rail-road from 
Columbia to Philadelphia which passes through it. The 
streets of the city, which intersect each other at right an- 
gles, are chiefly paved and curbed. The ancient build- 
ings are principally one story high, in the old German mode 
but the modern dwellings are lofty, substantially and com- 
modiously built, and some of them equal in convenience 
and beauty to any in the state. This city was for many 
years the seat of government of the commonwealth, which 
was removed thence to Harrisburg in 1812. The popula- 
tion is chiefly German and the decendants of Germans, 
and amounted in 1830 to 7703 ; the taxables to 1720. The 
public buildings consist of a brick court house, at the in* 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. 109 

ter section of King and Queen streets, the two principal 
streets; jail, and many places of public worship. The 
dwellings may amount to 1200. 

The town plot contains a square of two miles, compre* 
hending 2500 acres, which is indented by the Conestoga 
creek upon the east. It was originally laid out in 1728, 
by James Hamilton, Esq. of Philadelphia. There was 
then on its site a single log house. Few lots were sold in 
fee, the chief part being let on ground rent, on terms so 
easy as to invite many poor settlers, which caused the 
town at an early period to become too large for the sur* 
rounding country. It was incorporated as a borough by 
governor George Thomas, by charter dated first May, 
1742. In 1754 it contained 500 houses, and above 2000 in- 
habitants, and was then noted for its manufacture of sad- 
dles and guns. But it was said that at that period there 
was not a single good house in it. The first German Lu- 
theran church, and school house, were built in 1734. The 
borough charter was confirmed by act of assembly of 
20th March, 1818, by the style of the "mayor, aldermen— 
and citizens of Lancaster." It was a select and common 
council, a recorder and aldermen, who with the mayor 
(elected by the councils) form the mayor's court. Lan- 
caster is noted in the provincial history of Pennsylvania 
as having been the scene of an inhuman massacre of un- 
offending Indians, by some inhabitants of Paxton and Don 
egal townships. These had been rendered furious by the 
Indian butcheries on the borders, and in the blindness of 
their rage did not discriminate between the peaceable In- 
dian and the warring savage. On the 14th December 
1764, 30 men, well mounted and armed, surrounded the 
wigwams of a remnant of a tribe of the Six Nations, on 
the Conestoga manor, and barbarously murdered some 
women and children, and a few old men, and amongst the 
latter the chief, Shaheas, who had ever been distinguished 

10 



1 1 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

by his friendship for the whites. The majority of the vil„ 
lagers, who were abroad at the time of the attack, were 
placed for protection in the prison at Lancaster. But on 
the 27th of the same month, a party of 50 men, with faces 
blackened, from the same townships, suddenly entered 
the town, galloped to the workhouse, which having for- 
ced, they surrounded with a guard, and murdered, unin- 
terruptedly, the Indians there, 14 in number. Having ef- 
fected their purpose they retired undiscovered, nor could 
the efforts of the government, though streneously exerted, 
bring the murderers to justice. 

Franklin college was established here by act of assem- 
bly, 1787, for the instruction of youth In the German, Eng- 
lish, Latin, Greek, and other learned languages; in theol- 
ogy, and in the useful arts, science and literature ; and 
was designed particularly for the improvement of the Ger- 
man population. By the incorporating act 10,000 acres 
of land within the boundaries of the present counties of 
Lycoming, Tioga, Bradford and Venango, were granted 
to the trustees; and by an act of 1788 some lots in the 
city of Lancaster were vested in them, and soon after the 
incorporation a sum of money was raised for its use by 
private subscription. It continued in operation about two 
years, when the trustees were unable to proceed. Since 
that time occasionally a Greek and Latin, and sometimes 
only an English grammar school, has been kept in the 
buildings belonging to the institution. The Lancaster 
county academy was incorporated by act of assembly 
14th April, 1827, and the sum of 3000 dollars was granted 
to the institution. 

The city contains 2 Lutheran, 1 German Reformed, 1 
Episcopalian, 1 Catholic, 1 United Brethren, 1 Presbyteri- 
an, 1 Methodist, 1 African, 1 Quaker, and I Independent 
Methodist churches ; many private schools, 3 libraries, a 
reading room, museum, several religious and charitable 






OF PENNSYLVANIA. Ill 

societies, 9 presses, 5 publishing English, and 4 German 
papers, four tan yards, six breweries, and two potteries. 
By the slack water navigation lately made on Cones- 
toga creek, the city of Lancaster has attained the dignity 
of a port, and produce is embarked there for Philadel- 
phia by the way of the Susquehanna river, and the Ches- 
apeake and Delaware canal. 

Pittsburg City^ Alleghany Co. is situate.d ia 40 de- 
grees 32 minutes N. latitude, 3 degrees 2 seconds W. lon- 
gitude from Washington City, at the confluence of the Al- 
leghany and Monongahela rivers; 201 miles N. W. from 
Washington City, 300 miles W. of Philadelphia, 196 from 
Harrisburg, 120 S. of Lake Erie, 1100 by land and 2000 
by water above New Orleans. The Monongahela here 
runs a due N. course, and receives the Alleghany from 
the E., or perhaps it might be said with more propriety, 
that the Alleghany receives the Monongahela, the former 
being the greater stream. The city stands on a level allu- 
vial bottom of small extent; for Immediately back of it, 
and at a distance of not more than half a mile from the 
point rises Grant's hill, high and almost precipitous, and 
is the great secondary bank, which spreads itself so as to 
leave along the Alleghany river, a strip of land of one 
third or one fourth of a mile wide, of great fertility, and 
along the Monongahela, a still narrower belt. The hill 
was named after the unfortunate major Grant, who was 
defeated here by the French and Indians, in 1758. This 
spot claims notice politically and commercially from 
the year 1753, when the French erected a fort here, to 
which they gave the name of Du Q,uesne from the mar- 
quis of that name, the governor general of Canada. Its 
value as a military position had been marked in the pre- 
ceding year by Gen. Washington, when on a mission 
from Gov. Dinwiddie of Virginia to ascertain the views 
of the French in this quarter. The fort was captured by 



112 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

the British in 1758, and received the name of Fort Pitt, in 
honor of the Earl of Chatham. 

The city was founded in 1764, but was not regularly 
surveyed until 1784. On the 22d April of that year, Tench 
Francis, Esq., who was the attorney of the proprietaries* 
one of whose manors included the site, instructed Geo. 
Potts, Esq., to lay out the town, and to divide the rest of 
the manor into proper lots and farms, and to set a value 
thereon, that they might be offered for immediate sale. 
The survey was completed in May or June following, and 
confirmed by the attorney on the 30th September, 1784. 
For some years it increased slowly; containing in 1786. 
about one hundred houses, erected chiefly on the third 
bank, but of late years it has extended rapidly along the 
margin of the rivers, and is encroaching upon Grant's 
Hill, houses being built on its sides and summit. It was 
erected into a borough by an act of assemby, passed March 
5, 1804, and was incorporated as a city, by an act passed 
March 18, 1816. 

It is not possible to do justice to this article, without 
embracing in our views the neighboring towns and ham< 
lets, which form the suburbs of the city. On the W. side 
of the Monongahela, and about a mile above Pittsburgh t 
lies the flourishing borough of Birmingham ; and imme- 
diately opposite to the city, under the high and jutting 
hill, called coal hill, is a street of manufacturing estab- 
lishments, which may be considered as an extension of 
Birmingham, and which is coonected with Pittsburg by 
a fine roofed bridge, built in 1818, 1500 feet in length, and 
37 in width, having 8 arches supported by stone piers, by 
a joint stock company, to which the state subscribed 
840,000, at an expense of $102,450. In the opposite di- 
rection, and north of the Alleghany river, is the bo- 
rough of Alleghany town, on a beautiful plain of great 
extent, also connected with Pittsburg, by a roofed bridge, 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. 113 

erected in 1810; in length 1122 feet, breadth 38 feet, and 
38 feet above the water, resting on 6 piers of dressed 
stone, by a joint stock company, to which the state also 
subscribed $40,000, at the cost of $95,249. Above Alle- 
ghany town, about a mile, and on the same side of the 
river, is the town of Manchester. The Northern Liber- 
ties of Pittsburg, and Bayardstown, are on the city side 
of the river, and are closer suburbs. 

In 1810, the population of the city of Pittsburg was 
about 5,000; in 1820, 7,248; and the census of 1830, gives 
to the city proper, 12,542; to Pitt township, in which it 
lies. 3924 ; to the borough of Alleghany town, 2801 ; and 
to the borough of Birmingham, 520 ; Bayardstown bo- 
rough, 2125. 

During part of the period between 1817 and 1824, this 
city suffered much from the general stagnation of busi- 
ness, and extensive bankruptcy which prevailed. But 
since the latter year its prosperity has been wonderful, 
and bids fair to continue. 

The commercial importance of Pittsburg is very great 
and the additional facilities of transportation which mod- 
ern improvements have created, seems to assure an 
enormous and indefinite increase of business here. By 
the canal on the Alleghany and Conemaugh rivers, it pen- 
etrates central Pennsylvania W. of the Appalachian sys- 
tem ; and by the railroad across the mountains, and the 
canal of the Juniata, it reaches to the Susquehanna and 
the richest counties of the state E. of the mountains, and 
thence to the sea board. By the Mongahela river, and 
by the Ohio and Potomac canal, it is connected with 
the southern part of the state, and with Maryland and 
Virginia, and the seat of the Federal government. By 
the Ohio river, it carries on active trade with the western 
states and New Orleans ; and by the proposed canals, N. 
and N. W., it may attain a large share of the business of 
10* 



114 GEOGRAPHIC AIi CATECHISM 

New York, of the state of Ohio, and the N. W. country 
generally. 

There are three banks established in Pittsburg: the 
Merchants' and Mechanics' Bank, with a circulating capi- 
tal of $599,550 ; Bank of Pittsburg, capital $875,000 ; and 
the Exchange Bank, with a capital of $1,000,000. The 
Pittsburg Savings institution has a capital of $21,000 
paid in. 

The manufactures of this city have already given it 
much celebrity, both abroad and at home. They first ex- 
cited attention about the year 1810, and have since, 
though occasionally depressed by the changes in the ge- 
neral business of the country, continued to grow into 
their present importance. The vast quantities of coal in 
the surrounding hills, and the great supplies of iron ob- 
tained from the region W. of, and particularly along the 
mountains, rendered now more accessible by the state 
canals and the admirable position of the city for commer- 
cial enterprise, have made it a vast assemblage of manu- 
facturing establishments, which day and night roll up im- 
mense volumes of smoke, darkening the very heavens, 
and discoloring every object, the houses and their inhabi- 
tants. Here are many and extensive forges, rolling and 
and slitting mills, and foundries, supplied with the bars 
and blooms of Centre, Mifflin, and Huntingdon counties, 
in the very centre of the state, and from the counties 
more west. Here are cast ploughs, mill machinery, stoves, 
cannon, and cannon balls; here is constructed a vast num- 
ber of steamboats with their engines, and employment is 
given to several thousand artizans in iron and wood, con- 
nected with this great manufacture. Here are six or 
eight extensive glass manufactories, whose products have 
been admired in every part of the Union, but particularly 
in the towns S, and W. and N. of Pittsburg. Here are 
many and extensive cotton and woollen manufactories, 






OF PENNSYLVANIA. Ho 

paper mills, saw and grist mills, distilleries, &c, &c, all 
set in motion by steam, raised at the cheapest rate by 
coal, which costs little more than the price of digging and 
and a short cartage. Between 5 and G000 wagons arrive 
here annually from the east, loaded with merchandize for 
the west ; whilst the quantity of flour, whiskey, lumber, 
salt, &c, <fcc, &c, which is brought by the road, the ca- 
nals, for exportation by the Ohio, is immense. It is calcu- 
lated that thirty millions of feet of plank descend the Al- 
ghany alone from the pine forests on the sources of that 
river. The products of the manufactories of Pittsburg 
certainly exceed the annual value of 82,000,000. 

Within the last two or three years, steamboats have 
been constructed to ply upon the Alleghany and Monon- 
gahela rivers, and during the season of the year when 
the waters are full, a regular communication we believe, 
is maintained with the towns on the former river, as high 
as Warren. The state canal, which follows the right 
bank of the Alleghany river, from the mouth of the Kiski- 
minitas, crosses the river by an aquaduct at Alleghany 
town, and up a tunnel through Grant's hill, and commu- 
nicates by an outlet lock, with the Monongahela river. 

Turnpike roads from north, south, east, and west, 
communicate between the city and the adjacent coun- 
try. The town is supplied with water by means of steam 
engines, and the fluid is distributed from an elevated rese- 
voir, through the streets by iron pipes. The councils 
have authorized a company to light the streets, &c. by gas. 
The Pittsburg academy was established in 1787, and 
0000 acres of land were granted by the state in aid of 
the institution. It continued to prospers until 1819, when 
more extensive means of education being required, the 
legislature incorporated, by act of 18th February, 1819, the 
" Western University of Pennsylvania," to be located at 
or near Alleghany towm and authorized the trustees of 



116 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

the academy to convey to the university all their estate, 
real and personal, and at the same time granted to the 
latter 40 acres of vacant lands belonging to the com- 
monwealth, bounded by, or adjoining the outlots of Alle- 
ghany town. But some difficulty as to title has prevented 
this grant from being wholly operative. Since that pe- 
riod, in 1826, the legislature has given to the university, 
from the state treasury, 9600 dollars. By aid of these do- 
nations, and the liberality of individuals, the trustees have 
been enabled to erect on Grant's hill, on the Monongahela 
side of the town, suitable buildings for the institution. The 
university is under the direction of the Rev. Dr. Bruce, as 
president. It has four academical instructors, and about 
60 students. 

The city and its vicinity are well provided with schools, 
and there is a noted boarding school for young ladies 
a few miles from Pittsburg, on Braddock's fatal field. 

There are several political, commercial, and religious 
papers published in Pittsburg. But a taste for literature is 
not much diffused, nor very active. 

Religious Institutions. There are in Pittsburg proper, 
exclusive of the suburbs, 1 Baptist, 2 Presbyterian, 2 
Methodist, 1 Episcopal, and 2 Roman Catholic churches, 
including the large cathedral on Grant's hill ; 1 Cove- 
nanter's, one Seceder's, 1 German Reformed, 1 Unitarian, 
1 Associate Reformed, 1 Lutheran, and 1 African, beside 2 
Protestant churches lately erected ; making in all 16 places 
of public worship. The cathedral, according to the pro- 
posed design, when completely finished, will be an orna- 
ment, not only to the city, but to the United States. 

The "Western Theological Seminary," established by 
Presbyterians, is located at Alleghany town. The edifice 
for the institution is beautifully situated on an insulated 
knoll, about 100 feet above the level of the river. The 
main building is about four stories high, and the wings 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. 117 

three. It is in length one hundred feet, and contains one 
hundred rooms, destined each for a single student- 
There are also commodious rooms for a library, which, by 
donation from Scotland and from individuals in this coun- 
try, is already respectable. There were about 35 students 
here in 1833. 

Bible, missionary, and tract societies are duly establish- 
ed, and the institution of a temperance society has had 
very beneficial effects. 

A mineral spring has lately been discovered on the 
farm of John S. Scully, Esq., in St. Clair township, four 
miles S. W. of the city, to which the name of the Pittsburg 
mineral spring has been given. It issues Irom the fissure 
of a rock, on the side of a small hill, and discharges about 
a gallon of water per minute, which is conveyed through 
a tunnel into a reservoir, from which it is pumped to sup- 
ply the bath house. The water in the spring, when un- 
disturbed for a few hours, is covered with a thin white 
pellicle, which after some time, assumes an iredescent ap- 
pearance. It then falls to the bottom, and is renewed if 
the water is not disturbed, as may be more particularly 
observed every morning. 

When the water is first taken from the spring, its ap- 
pearance is perfectly clear, its taste is lively and rather 
pungent, with a peculiar ferruginous flavor, and an odor 
which has some resemblance to the scourings of a gun 
barrel, and which is easily recognized as arising from an 
impregnation of sulphuretted hydrogen gas. If the water 
be suffered to remain some hours in a glass, it loses in 
some degree, its transparency, as well as its lively and 
pungent taste ; numerous air bubbles are extracted from 
it, and a light deposit takes place on the inside of the 
glass. Vessels which are constantly used, become lined 
with an ochry incrustation, which is with difficulty re- 
moved, and the bottom and sides of the well, as well as 






118 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

the substance over which the water flows, have a sedi- 
ment of the same nature. The temperature of the spring 
is nearly the same at all seasons of the year. In August, 
when the temperature was at 85 in the air, that of the wa- 
ter was only 54. Its specific gravity, when compared 
with distilled water, is as 1002 to 1000. Dr. Mead reports, 
after due examination, this water to contain muriate of 
soda, muriate of magnesia, 1-2; oxide of iron, 1 ; and sul- 
phate of lime 1-2; carbonic acid gas in 1 quart, 18 cubic 
inches : and he recommends it for all purposes in which*" 
chalybeates are generally given. 

A bed of marble, of the species called bird's eye, has 
been discovered about six miles from the city, and one and 
a half from the canal ; it cuts smoothly, takes a fine pol- 
ish, and is well adapted for ornamental purposes. 

The corporate powers of the city are vested in a select 
council of 9 members, three of whom are elected annu- 
ally, and serve 3 years ; a common council of 15 mem- 
bers elected yearly ; a recorder, and 12 aldermen, ap- 
pointed by the Governor, and holding their offices dur- 
ing good behaviour ; a mayor elected annually by the 
select and common councils, from among the aldermen,, 
and a mayor's court composed of the mayor, recorder 
and aldermen, or any four of them. 

The coal around the city lies in strata of from 6 inches 
to 10 or more feet in depth, and is found in the hills which 
overlook the town, at the height of 300 ft. above the bed 
of the river. 

West Chester, post town, and seat of justice of Ches- 
ter county, is situated on the dividing ridge between the 
waters of Chester creek and the Brandy wine^ 2 miles E. 
of the latter stream, five miles S. of the Great Limestone 
Valley, and Lancaster and Philadelphia turnpike roaa>and 
23 from Philadelphia, 115 N. from Washington city, and 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. 119 

76 S. E. from Harrisburg. The Strashurg road passes 
through it westward, intersected by one from the Great 
Valley to Wilmington. The place was formerly called 
the Turk's Head, from the sign of the only tavern here. — 
The town owes its existence to the removal of the seat 
of justice to the site, from Old Chester, by virtue of an act 
passed 22d March, 1784, obtained principally by the ex- 
ertions of Col. Hannum, an active member of the assem- 
tly of that period, who dwelt here. It was erected into 
a borough in the year 1799, whose boundaries embrace an 
area of one mile and a quarter square, taken wholly from 
the township of Goshen, having the township of East 
Bradford for its western limit. In the year 1800, the in- 
habitants amounted to 374; in 1810, to 471 ; in 1820, to 
552; in 1830, to 1252; and in December, 1831, the popula- 
tion was 1500; voters, about 250. The original plan of 
the town consisted of four contiguous squares, with two 
principal streets crossing in the centre. In 1829, several 
streets were opened, and new squares formed on the S. 
W. side of the primitive squares, by Wm. Everhart, Esq. 
There are 250 dwelling houses within the borough limits, 
of which 220 are in the village, and the residue on the 
adjacent farms. 

The public buildings in the borough are, the court house 
and prison, finished in 1786; the county offices, built in 
1791 ; market houses, old one, built in 1802, new one, 100 
feet long, built in 1831 ; an academy, built and incorpo- 
rated in 1812; Roman Catholic chapel, built in 1793 - t Me- 
thodist Episcopal church, built in 1816; 2 Quaker meeting 
houses, one built in 1812, the other in 1830. 

The institutions of a public character are, the post of- 
fice, established in 1802; bank of Chester county, with a 
capital paid of $90,000, chartered in 1814 : library founded 
in 1814 ; cabinet of natural science, founded in 1826, in- 
corporated 1831 ; atheneum, founded and incorporated in 



120 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

1827; female boarding school, established in 1830; six day 
schools of various grades and dates ; 2 fire companies, 
one established in the year 1800, the other in 1818. 

The literary institutions of this town are highly cre- 
ditable to its inhabitants, and form exemplars for other 
county towns of the state, which, we are pleased to 
see, have been in part copied by Norristown and Doyles- 
town. 

The side walks of the streets of were first paved with 
bricks in the 1823. The two principal streets were mac- 
adamized in the years 1829 and 1330. 

The improvements in the borough and surrounding 
country, have been such, that the enterprising citizens of 
the county have constructed a railway from the town to 
intersect the state railroad between Philadelphia and Co- 
lumbia at the Warren. 

The zealous and enlightened editor of the Village Rec- 
ord exclaimed : 

What is to prevent the town from growing to four times 
its present size 1 In a high and healthy situation, sur. 
rounded by the richest and best cultivated land — an ex- 
tensive market for cattle — the county town of one of the 
most wealthy and populous counties in the state — provi- 
sions plenty and cheap, — why should it not become a 
place for manufacturing — especially for all those manufac- 
tures that do not require water power to drive them ? — 
Besides, from the liberal and praiseworthy enterprize of 
Wm. Everhart, Esq., town lots, beautifully and eligibly 
situated, may now be obtained on moderate terms. — 
Where, then, can capitalists invest their money more ad- 
vantageously than by purchasing lots and building here V 1 

Residing, post and county town of Berks county, 
situated on the E. bank of the river Schuylkill, one mile 
below Tulpenhocken creek, 54 miles N. W. of Philadel- 



E- 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. 131 

phia, about the same distance E. of Harrisburg, and 143 
N. E. from Washington city. Population in 1820, 4278$ 
1330> 5631. The town was laid out in 1748, by Thomas 
and Richard Penn, proprietaries and governors in chief of 
the province, and private owners of the ground plot. — 
The plan adopted was that of Lancaster, with some im- 
provements suggested by experience. The streets are 
spacious* running in straight lines, and intersecting each 
other at right angles. There are five streets running E- 
and W., and nine running N. and S. The court house 
stands upon a square in the centre, 200 by 220 feet. 
There are two semi-annual fairs, beginning the 4th of 
June and 27th of October, and lasting two days ; held un- 
der a grant by deed of the proprietaries, .July 30, 1766. 
They are continued to this time under the German appel- 
lation of "Jahr-Markts," yearly markets, though at present 
they are only resorted to by the country youth of either 
sex for the purpose of hilarity. The two weekly market 
days, Wednesday and Saturday, though recognized and 
re-established by the act of assembly of 1813, have their 
origin in a grant contained in the deed of the proprieta- 
ries above mentioned. The town was erected into a bo. 
rough by act of assemby, passed in 1783 ; altered and re- 
pealed by an act of 1813, under which it elects a legislative 
town council, and burgesses whose duty is to carry the 
ordinances into effect. Reading contains between seven 
and eight hundred houses, including a court house, pub- 
lic offices, and jail, and two market houses. The town is 
well provided with houses of public entertainment, most 
of them spacious and comfortable, and one upon an ele- 
gant and extensive scale. The river which is here about 
six hundred feet wide, is crossed by two substantial co- 
vered bridges, of frame work, supported on stone piers 
and abutments, erected at the county expense. The 

11 



122 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

Schuylkill canal extending from Philadelphia to Pottsville, 
passes through the town. The Union canal, connecting 
the waters of the Schuylkill with the invaluable internal 
improvements of the state, mingles with that river at 
Reading, where a dam across the river forms a fine sheet 
of water, and a convenient harbor for boats. 

Seated in the heart of a fertile limestone country, on a 
great turnpike road leading from Philadelphia to the west- 
ern countries, and enjoying the advantages of two exten- 
sive and important canals, both in successful operation, 
Reading bids fair to become one of the most important 
inland towns in the state. Its present condition is pros- 
perous, and flourishing in a high degree, all its tenements 
being occupied, and a large annual addition of houses 
having been found necessary to accommodate its increas- 
ing population. It is surrounded by streams affording an 
abundance of water power, and has long enjoyed an ex- 
tensive trade in flour and grain. 

Here are two banks and twenty large stores, besides 
many smaller ones, all which appear to be doing profita- 
ble business. 

The place is celebrated for its manufactures of wool 
hats, by which a large portion of its industrious inhabit- 
ants are maintained, and many considerable fortune's are 
realized. It is supposed that from twenty to thirty thou- 
sand dozens of hats are made here annually, which go to 
supply the southern and western markets to a great ex- 
tent. 

There are two daily mails between Philadelphia and 
Reading, and several daily lines of stages pass through it 
from Philadelphia to Harrisburg or Pottsville. 

Several individuals in and about Reading have applied 
themselves successfully to the cultivation of foreign grapes, 
and the town is furnished with that agreeable fruit in 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. 123 

moderate quantities, from vineyards within its own limits, 
or in its vicinity. 

Wine has also been made to a considerable amount, 
and a species of rough claret, known by the name of 
«« Reading red," is not without its admirers in the good 
fcown. 

No town in the Union, perhaps, surpasses Reading in 
salubrity and beauty of situation. Standing upon a pla- 
teau formed by the depression of magnificent hills towards 
the river, the town plot is sufficiently level for the pur- 
poses of convenience, and elevated enough to prevent the 
stagnation of water on its surface, forming a medium be- 
tween too hilly and too flat. The hills around afford a 
rich variety of prospects for the lovers of the picturesque. 
The Blue mountains on the north, at the distance of 17 
miles, are distinctly visible, and corresponding hills on the 
E. and W. form a beautiful amphitheatre, of which the 
parterre exhibits a succession of well cultivated farms, 
blooming in luxuriant vegetation. 

On the rise of the mountain, behind the borough, is 
Hampden spring, a copious source of pure water, which 
has been conducted into the town in iron pipes, at a com- 
paratively small expense, and distributes an abundant sup- 
ply amongst the inhabitants by means of ordinary hy- 
drants. 

The population of Reading, as well as that of the coun- 
ty, consists principally of Germans, well known for habits 
of economy and persevering industry. The English lan- 
guage, however, is generally spoken, and is taught in 
nearly all the schools, amounting to about twenty in num- 
ber. 

There is besides an academy in which the Greek and 
Latin languages are taught, together with mathematics 
and general literature, a large and handsome edifice, erect- 
ed with funds granted by the legislature, and endowed 



124 GEORAPGHICAL CATECHISM 

with several thousand acres of unseated lands derived 
from the same source. 

Harrisblirg ) post town, borough, seat of justice of 
Dauphin Co., and capital of the state, is situated on the 
E. bank of the Susquehanna river 97 miles from Philade^ 
phia and 35 from Lancaster, HO from Washington City, 
200 from Pittsburgh latitude 40 degrees 16 seconds N. ; 
longitude degrees 5 seconds 30 minutes E. from Wash- 
ington City. The eastern part of the site of the town is 
a gently swelling hill or high bank between the river and 
Paxton creek ; and along the vale of the latter runs the 
state canaL The lower part lies on the level plain above 
the mouth of the creek. The town has 5 streets parallel 
with each other and with the river, and six others which 
intersect these at right angles. In the centre of the town 
there is a large hollow square cut by crossing streets, and 
surrounded by buildings ; in the centre of this stands the 
two market houses. The town, including M'Claysburg, 
which, though not in the borough bounds, is separated 
from it by an alley only, has 636 buildings, comprehend- 
ing dwellings and work shops, of which 201 are of brick 
431 frame and 4 of stone. The public buildings erected 
by the town and county, are a large court house, (with 
offices attached) built of brick, two stories high, surmoun- 
ted by a cupola and bell. This house was for many years 
occupied by the state legislature ; a stone jail, having in 
the rear a spacious yard encloced by a high stone wall. 
A large county school house, of brick, two stories high 
with a cupola, in which the pupils are taught after the 
Lancasterian method. This was erected by virtue of an 
act of assembly, by which provision was made for the 
gratitous education of the poor. The whole number of 
pupils in this institution in 1829, was 278, of whom 94 were 
pay students ; the remainder were educated at the public 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. 125 

expense, at the cost of $6-84 for each student. Of church- 
es, there are 10, viz. 1 Lutheran, 1 Presbyterian, 1 Ger- 
man Reformed, 1 Episcopalian, 1 Roman Catholic 1 Meth- 
odist, 1 Unitarian, 1 Baptist, 1 Church of God, and 1 Afri- 
can. Several of these are neat structures. 

There is also a masonic lodge, a large and handsome 
building. There are 1 1 printing offices, 9 of which: issue 
journals, one of these, namely : The Pennsylvania 
Telagraph, is published daily ; and five of which are 
published semi- weekly, during the session of the legisla- 
ture, and weekly during the recess, viz. The Pennsylva- 
nia Reporter, The Pennsylvania Intelligencer, Harrisburg 
Chronicle, Antimasonic State Democrat, and The Key 
Stone : the remainding 3 weekly, viz. The Gospel Pub- 
lisher, Der Vartenlands-Waechter, and Die Morganrcethe. 

The town contains 2 banks, 1 a branch of the bank of 
Pennsylvania and the other the "Hrrrisburg bank," char- 
tered 9th May, 1814, and also the Harrisburg Savings In- 
stitution. 

The commercial prospects of this borough are very 
flattering. By means of the state canal and rail road it 
may participate large in the trade of the great tract of 
country drained by the Susquehanna river and its tribu- 
taries. * 

Orer the Susquehanna, in front of the town, is erected 
a fine wooden bridge, roofed, and supported by stone 
piers, in two parts, separated by an island ; completed in 
1817, by the architect Mr. Burr, under the direction of an 
incorporated company. Its length is 2876 feet, width 40 
feet, elevation 50 feet; cost 8155,000, of which the state 
subscribed $90,000. There is also an elegant rail-road 
bridge now building opposite mulbury street. 

The capitol, or state house, is a magnificient structure, 
standing on the highest part of the town. From its cupo- 
la may be seen one of the finest landscapes of the state, 
11* 







126 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

embracing a wide extent of cultivated country, swelling 
hills, the meanders of the river, and the adjacent moun- 
tains. 

The building fronts the river to the west, which is seen 
through State street, a handsome avenue 60 feet wide. 
The pile consists of the main building,, or state house, 
and two wings for the public offices, designed to be con- 
nected together by low ornamented walls, with gateways. 
The centre building is set back of the wings, so far that 
the inner columns of the porticos of the parts are in range ; 
thus affording an uninterrupted view through them all. 
The ground slopes in front, and the main entrance is from 
State street, by plain and massive gates and a flight of 
steps. There is another entrance by a similar gateway 
on the south. The lot is surrounded by a low brick wall 
surmounted by wooded palisades. 

The main building is 180 feet front, 80 feet deep, 2 sto- 
ries high. The lower story contains the vestibule and 
stair case, the chambers of the senate and house of repre- 
sentatives, and several small apartments for the accom- 
modation of the members of assembly and its officers. 
The 2d story is appropriated for an executive chamber, 
where the governor transacts business and receives visi- 
tors, committee rooms, 4 in number, of large dimensions, 
and two rooms appropriated to the state library, now 
consisting of about 6000 volumes. 

The main entrance is by a circular protico, the whole 
height of the building, sustained by 6 Ionic columns olred 
sand stone, painted white, 4 feet in diameter, and 36 feet 
high ; the portico receding 37 feet to a circular wall. The 
floor of the portico on which the columns rest, is 4 feet 6 
inches high from the ground, and is attained by 5 steps 
of sand stone, and paved with massive flags of the same 
material. From the floor to the top of the cornice the 
distance is 46 lt. f and the whole height of the front 50 ft. 6 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. 127 

inches. From the top of the cornice to the top of the 
dome is 57 feet 6 inches making the whole height 108 
feet. 

The front on either side of the portico is divided into 3 
equal parts, one of which is given to the corner, project- 
ing with one window, which lights the transcribers' apart- 
ment at one end, and a retiring room of the senate cham- 
ber at the other. The remaining parts contain 3 wind- 
ows, which give light to the senate and representative 
chambers. Under the porticos are 4 windows on the first 
floor, 2 oi which communicate with the senate and repre- 
sentative chambers respectively, and the others with small 
apartments appropriated to the sergeants at arms. The 
ends are divided into 4 equal parts ; one is given to each 
corner, projecting with one window, the remaining two 
contain 3 windows, the central one of which is Venetian. 
The divisions and lights of the second story corres- 
pond with these of the first. The rotundo above the 
roof is composed of 16 columns, 22 inches in diameter 
and 17 feet high, and is 48 feet in diameter outside of the 
columns. There is a space of 3 feet between the columns 
and wall. The diameter of the inside is thirty-four feet. 
The dome is 40 feet in diameter. It contains 8 windows, 
3 feet 8 inches wide and 9 feet 6 inches high, and 8 niches 
of like dimensions. Four of the latter are partly covered 
with the faces of the cloak, and the remainder are design- 
ed tor the reception of statues. 

From the great portico we advance to the vestibule by 
large folding doors in the external wall. The vestibule 
is elliptic ll, having on its longest axis 40 feet and on its 
shorter 34 feet. There are 8 doors opening into it in each 
story, 2 of which in the first communicate with the senate 
and representative chambers respectively, and a 3d, more 
properly an arch way, leads to a double flight of stairs 
which, mounting half the height of the story, unite anl 



128 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM. 

conduct to the second floor. On this floor the staircase 
again divides and ascends into the roof and rotundo. 
The vestibule is partly floored over, leaving a circular 
opening surrounded with a railing, through which from 
below may be seen the openings of the several landings, 
the vaulted ceiling, and through that the interior of the 
rotundo, with its fluted roof. 

The senate chamber, on the left of the entrance, is 75 ft. 
by 57 in the clear, and 21 ft. high. The hall of the repre- 
sentatives has the same length and height, and 68 in 
breadth. The senate chamber is arranged for the accom- 
modation of 36 members, to each of whom is allotted a 
space of 3 feet 6 inches. 

Their desks are 2 feet wide and the platforms or bench- 
es on which they rest slightly raised one above another, 
are 5 feet 9 inches wide. There is a space of 5 feet be- 
tween the members' seats and gallery. The latter will 
contain several hundred persons. 

The chair of the speaker, centrally placed in the length 
of the room, is supported on an ornamented dais, with a 
columnar and neatly carved back. Behind the chair is an 
open space lighted by the Venetian window, from which 
doors leads to closets on either hand, used as offices by 
the clerk. There, are also the retiring rooms for the 
members. 

The hall of representatives is disposed after the same 
manner; but being desighed for the accommodation of 
108 members the retiring rooms are wanting. Each mem- 
ber has a space of 2 feet 9 inches, a desk one foot 9 inches 
resting on a platform four feet six inches. 

The wings, much smaller in every way than the main 
building, are however in keeping with it, and have porti- 
cos of similar form, and when connected by the wall yet 
to be built, will have a fine effect in the plan. At present 
they have an isolated appearance. 



^H 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. 129 

The whole pile is simple and plain in its exterior and in 
its internal distribution, but having a bold and distinct 
contour it is grand and imposing. 

Harrisburg was founded in J 785. by Mr. John Harris, 
who inherited the ground on which it stands from his fa- 
ther ; we are indebted chiefly to a memoir of Mr. Samuel 
Breek, for the following interesting anecdote of the elder 
Mr. Harris. He was a Yorkshire man born in humble 
life, who emigrated to America soon after the first arrival 
of William Penn, bringing with him the whole of his prop- 
erty, 16 gunieas. His first employment here was in clear- 
ing away the wood, and in grubbing the streets of Phila- 
delphia. " Being an enterprizing man, he soon became 
an active pioneer, and with the fruits of his industry com- 
mencing a trade with the Indians, penetrated by degrees 
to the westward, until he reached the susquehanna, on 
the left bank of which river he built himself a cabin, and 
sat down permanently at the very spot where the town 
of Harrisburg now stands. His first purchase of land 
was a tract of 500 acres, bought of Edward Shipen for 
190 pounds. The deed, bears date the 19th December, 
1733. He opened a profitable commerce with his red 
neighbors, who were numerous about the Paxton creek, 
and had several villages in the vicinity, along the Susque- 
hanna shore." 

"It happened one day that a number of his Indian cus- 
tomers, who had been drinking freely, called for an addi- 
tional supply of rum. On Mr. Harris' refusing to gratify 
them, they dragged him from his hut, and bound him to 
a mulberry tree at the foot of which he now lies buried. 

IT hey declared their intention of burning him alive, and 
bade him prepare for instant death. Dry wood was ga- 
thered, and fire was held in readiness to kindle it. The 
yells of the exasperated savages echoed along the shore, 
while with demoniac gestures they danced around their 



130 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

victim. In vain he supplicated for mercy, and offered 
every thing in exchange for life. The fire was brought to 
the pile, and about being applied, when a band of friendly 
Indians burst from the forest and set him free. His libe- | 
rators were conducted by his negro slave Hercules, who 
on the first demonstration of violence, had fled to a neigh- 
bouring Indian village for succour. 

w Mr. Harris gratefully emancipated the slave to whose 
presence of mind and active zeal he was indebted for his 
life ; and the descendants of Hercules inhabit the town, 
now built around the spot where he so nobly acquired his 
freedom. 

Mr. Harris, in order to perpetuate the remembrance of 
this deliverance among his descendants, directed that after 
his death his body should be deposited at the foot of the 
mulberry tree. 

The trunk of that tree is still standing, which flourished 
in full vigor when Wm. Penn first landed on the shores of 
the Delaware." 

Harrisburg was incorporated by an act of assembly 
passed the first day of February, 1808, under the style 
of the Chief Burgess, Assistant Burgess, and Town Coun- 
cil of the Borough of Harrisburg, with the usual corpo- 
rate powers. 

The population of the borough, by the census of 1830, 
exclusive of M'Claysburg, was 4307. M'Claysburg, in 
1830, had 219 inhabitants, making the population of the 
town 4526. 

A plan has recently been proposed for using the water 
of the Susquehanna river, (by means of a race or aque* 
duct, commencing at McAlisters, six miles above the 
town, for supplying the borough with water for domestic 
and hydraulic purposes. A power, it is supposed, may 
be thus gained sufficient to. drive thirty pair of five feet 
stones. 






OF PENNSYLVANIA. 131 

Several stages for the E. and W. parts of the state, one 
S. to Baltimore and Washington, and also several north- 
ward, leave Harrisburg daily. 

Carlisle ) post town, borough, and seat of justice of 
Cumberland county, on the post road leading from Phila* 
delphia to Pittsburg, 118 miles from the former, and 117 
from the latter, and about 16 miles W. of Harrisburg and 
the Susquehanna river, in the centre of a rich and well 
watered limestone valley, and standing on rising ground, 
presents a rich and variegated landscape, of mountains, 
woods, and cultivated farms. It was founded in 1751, by 
the proprietaries, who purchased several farms for that 
purpose. In 1753 it contained five log houses, but being 
a border town and military post, it throve rapidly. It now 
contains near 650 houses, and 3708 inhabitants. 

The principal streets cross each other at right angles, 
and are neatly paved. A large open space was left in the 
centre, which is in part occupied by two stone churches* 
a market house, a commodious court house, and lire proof 
offices. The railroad passes through this square. 

Beside these, the public buildings in the town are six 
churches, pertaining to the English Presbyterians, Episco- 
palians, Lutherans, German Reformed, Methodists, Scotch 
Presbyterians, and Roman Catholics. 

Dickinson college, built of limestone, is situated on an 
elevated spot in the west part of the town, erected on the 
site of an elegant brick edifice, which was burned in 
1803. The present building is 150 feet in length, four 
stories high, surmounted by a beautiful dome, from which 
there is an extensive view of the valley, and the moun- 
tain by which it is bounded, and particularly of the North 
mountain, for about 80 miles of its range. An additional 
college edifice is now building. * 



132 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

This college received its name in memory of the great 
and important services rendered to his country by John 
Dickinson, and in commemoration of his liberal donation 
to the institution. It was established and incorporated 
by the legislature in 1783, but the funds then requisite 
were supplied by private munificence. But in 1786 the 
state gave it the sum of $500, and 10,000 acres of land 
and in 1791, $1500, and in 1795 the further sum of $500o! 
The building for the accommodation of students having 
been destroyed by fire, in 1803 the legislature authorized 
the treasurer of Cumberland county to pay the trustees 
ot the college $6000, from the arrearages of state taxes 
from the county, by way of loan; and by an act of 1806 
this loan was increased to $10,000. The amount received 
under these two acts, was but $8,400, and in 1819 the 
debt was remitted by the state. In 1821 a further dona- 
tion was made by the legislature of $6000, in considera- 
tion of a reconveyance to the state of the 10,000 acres of 
land previously granted, which had proved a burden ra- 
ther than a relief to the institution, and a further sum of 
$2000 annually for five years, was also granted. After 
struggling for years with difficulties, the result of defi- 
ciency in the active funds of the institution, the trustees 
were compelled to suspend its operations in the year 
1816; in which prostrate condition it continued until re- 
vived by the aid afforded in 1821. Since that period, it 
has been extensively useful. By the act of 1795 it was 
stipulated that there should be admitted into the college 
any number of students, not exceeding 10, who may be 
offered, to be taught reading, writing, and arithmetic? 
gratis. In 1828, the college had 6 academical instructers, 
22 graduates, and 109 under graduates, and assisted six 
indigent students. The expenses of a student here for 
one year, with the exception of his books, candles and 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. 133 

clothing, are estimated at $176. At present the number 
of students is 208, including the grammar school and col- 
lege proper. 

A little to the E. of the town there are extensive bar- 
racks and other buildings, erected in the revolutionary- 
war for the accommodation of troops, and preservation 
of public stores. The town was incorporated by act of 
assembly of April 13, 1782, by the name of the burgesses 
and inhabitants of the borough of Carlisle, with two chief 
burgesses, five assistants, high constable and town clerk. 
Fairs are authorized to be holden here on the fourth 
Thursday of May and October, annually. 

There are some springs and a limestone cave near Car- 
lisle which merit attention. The sulphur springs, about 
four miles N. of the town, on a branch of the Conedogui- 
nit creek, were formerly much frequented, and there is 
here a large building for the accommodation of visiters. 
In the centre of a large field, a mile and a half also N. of 
the town, is the " Hogshead Spring," in a conical excava- 
tion, nearly 60 feet in circumference, having a limestone 
wall on one side, and a gentle and regular descent tipon 
the other. Six or eight feet below the summit is an arched 
opening, through which is a passage declining at an angle 
of 40 degrees, and 10 feet deep, wide enough to admit a 
man stooping. At the bottom of this cavity is a pool of 
delicious water: apparently stagnant, yet sweet, cool, and 
refreshing ; qualities which it always preserves, but there 
are no visible means by which the basin receives or dis- 
charges it. Letart's spring, about 2 miles S. of the bo- 
rough, is remarkable for seeding forth a volume of water 
sufficient, at the source, to turn two mills ; the stream 
"passes near Carlisle on its way to the Conedoguinit, and 
drives several other mills in its course, 

12 



134 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

Ifork, post town, borough, and seat of justice of York 
county, lies on the Codorus creek, partly in Spring Gar- 
den and partly in West Manchester townships, about 83 
miles W. from Philadelphia, 21 from Lancaster, 1 1 from 
Columbia, and about 25 S. of Harrisburg. Lat. 39 deg. 
57 minutes N. ; long, from Washington city, degrees 17 
minutes W. 

It is built on a plain, with streets at right angles with 
each other, and contains about 700 dwellings and many 
stores and taverns. The public buildings consist of a 
court house and county offices, of brick. The court house 
was occupied by Congress when driven from Philadel- 
phia during the revolutionary war. It is now too small 
for the business of the county. 

An academy, also of brick, to which the state has given 
$2,000 — a county prison of stone — a poor house a short 
distance from the town. 

There are 9 churches in the town, viz: Lutheran, Ger- 
man Reformed, Moravian, Episcopal, Roman Catholic, 
Presbyterian, Methodist, Quaker, and African Methodist ; 
all substantial brick buildings except the last, which is of 
frame. A Bible Society, Sunday School Union, and a fe- 
male charitable association called " Dorcas." 

In the cemetry of the German Reformed church is the 
grave and a monument erected to the memory of Philip 
Livingston, a member of Congress, who died during the 
session of that body in York, in 1777. The monument con- 
sists of a pyramidal shaft of white marble, surmounted 
with an urn. 

A slackwater navigation has lately been made along 
the Codorus creek, from the borough to the Susquehanna, 
a distance of 1 1 miles, of which 8 consists of artificial 
pools, and 3 of canals, with 9 locks, said to he executed in 
a very superior manner. 

This is a rich and thriving town, as is apparent by its 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. 135 

increase of population. It contained in 1820, 3,545 inhab- 
itants ; and in 1830, 4,216 and 843 taxables. 

The town is supplied by a company incorporated in 
1506, with wholesome spring water. 

Chftmbersburg, post town, borough and seat of 
justice of Franklin county is one of the most flourishing 
inland towns in the state. It is pleasantly situated at the 
confluence of the Falling Spring and Conecocheague 
creeks. 143 miles W. of Philadelphia, 77 N. W. of Balti- 
more, 90 N. W. of Washington City and 48 S. W. of Har- 
risburg. The site of its location was selected a century 
since, for its advantages of water power and soil, by Col. 
Benjamin Chambers, for his residence and settlement, in 
a wilderness, through which, at that time, roamed the red 
men and the animals of the forest. 

He erected a dwelling and the first mills in the county 
and surrounded them by a fort, which sheltered from the 
incursions of the savages, his family and others who were 
induced to settle in his neighborhood. 

The town of Chamberburg was laid out in 1764 ; but 
increased little until after the peace of 1783, and the erec- 
tion of Franklin county in 1784, since which, it was contin- 
ued steadily to improve. It forms a township which has 
the name of Franklin. It contains at present about 500 
dwellings, generally of brick or stone, substantially and 
many of them tastefully, built. 

The population in 1830 was 2794. Its public buildings 
are a brick court-house, and county offices, prison, 8 
churches, an academy of brick, 3 stories high, capable of 
accommodating many students, to which the state has 
given .$1000 ; a neat banking house, for the accommoda- 
tion of the "Chambersburg Bank," which is successfully 
conducted, with a capital of $247,228 ; and a masonic hall, 
a handsome structure. 



136 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

It contains many stores, mechanics, and manufacturing 
establishments, and houses of public entertainment. 

There are 4 weekly newspapers published here, 3 in 
the English and one in the German language. 

The inhabitants are industrious, moral and religious,. 
and not deficient in enterprize. 

The water power now gives motion to 2 flour mills, hav- 
ing each 3 pairs of stone; 2 fulling mills, a paper mill, a 
cotton and woollen manufactory, an oil mill, several card- 
ing machines and a manufactory of edge tools, carried 
on to a very great extent, and making articles of superi- 
or quality, at a price lower than similar ones can be im- 
ported ; and in 1831 a large paper mill,, for the fabrication 
of straw paper, was erected. 

The water power in, and within five miles of, the bor- 
ough, is adequate to propel an hundred pairs of stones, 
furnishes facilities for manufacturing purposes, not sur- 
passed in any part of the state ; surrounded by a healthy ,. 
fertile, and highly cultivated country. 

It has the advantage of a turnpike road by the way of 
Harrisburg to Philadelphia, and another by the way of 
York, and like roads to Baltimore and Pittsburg. A rail 
road from Harrisburg to Chambersburg is now under 
contract. A part of the road will be completed this faul ; 
the remainder next summer. The length of the line is. 
nearly 56 miles, and the estimate of cost $7,673-33 per mile. 

Another road is contemplated through Gettysburg to 
York ; but it is doubtful whether the advantages which 
can be derived from the road will justify the expense of its. 
construction. 

Muston^ a post-town, and borough, is the seat of 
justice, of Northampton co., and the largest town in the 
county ; distant, 1,90 miles, N,. E^ from Washington City 






OF PENNSYLVANIA. 137 

and 101 from Harrisburg, 56 N. from Philadelphia, and 73 
S. W. from New- York. 

It is situated at the confluence of the rivers Delaware 
and Lehigh, and extends from the mouth of the latter, 
along the former, nearly a half mile to the Bushkill creek, 
so that the town is bounded on three sides by water. It 
is built on ground which ascends in an angle of 5 degrees 
above the horizon, extending directly west from the Del- 
aware. 

It contains five streets, running east and west, and 3 N. 
and south,which have paved walks upon their sides. 

In the centre of the town is a public square, surround- 
ing the court-house. The other public buildings are, five 
churches, Presbyterian, Episcopalian, German Reformed, 
& 2 Luthern, and an academy, in which the languages are 
taught. By act of assembly 9th March, 1826, a college 
was established, under the title of " La Fayette college." 
This institution we are told, is now in a prosperous con- 
dition. 

The buildings are chiefly of stone or brick, and two 
stories high. The number of dwellings are about 600, 
besides shops and other out houses, one third of which 
are of brick. 

Easton was incorporated into a borough on the 23d of 
September 1789, and now forms a township. There is an 
elegant bridge, of wood, of three arches, covered, 600 
feet long and 24 feet wide, over the Delaware, which cost 
$80,000. 

Across the Lehigh, a chain bridge, suspended on four 
chains, hanging in two loops and two half loops, having 
two pass ways for teams, and a foot-walk between, guard- 
ed by hand railing. Its length is 423 feet, width 25 feet. 
There are also two other bridges over the Bushkill. 

There are two daily lines of stages which run between 
this town and Philadelphia, and also stages from it to ev- 
12* 



!3Q GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

ery part the country. There are here 5 fire engines, 3 
hose carriages with 2300 feet hose. 

The country adjacent to the town is bold, broken, and 
romantic. The soil is highly productive, and being well 
cultivated, gives a most pleasing aspect to the vicinity of 
Easton. 

Farm houses, orchards, fields and meadows, are com- 
mingled along the bottoms of the river and the sloaps of 
the hills. Bushkili creek, one of the finest mill streams 
of the United States, passes the Chesnut ridge within the 
borough, and by a winding and precipitous course affords 
many valuable mill seats. 

A library, was formed in 1811, containing about 3000 
volumes, and an interesting cabinet of minerals. There 
are two banks, one a branch of that of Pennsylvania, 
the other, the Easton Bank, erected under the act of as- 
sembly of 1814, with a capital of $400,000. 

The trade of the town is very considerable, particular- 
ly in the article of flour, which constitutes the principal 
staple of the county. Population in 1810, was 1657; in 
1820, was 2370 ; in 1830 was 3529 ; taxables in 1828, 600. 
The town is supplied with water, conveyed in iron pipes 
from a spring about a mile from the borough. 

Q. What are the internal improvements of Pennsylva- 
nia P 

A. Pennsylvania is distinguished for internal improve- 
ments, for her superior roads and bridges, &c. &c. To 
Pennsylvania must be awarded the praise of having 
constructed the first stone tur?ipike in the Union. More 
than two thousand miles of turnpike have already been 
constructed in Pennsylvania. The turnpike road from 
Lancaster to Philadelphia, 62 miles long, was commenced 
in the year 1792, and finished in 1794, at the expense of 
8465,000, by a private company, So early as 1762 it was 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. ! 39 

proposed to connect the waters of Lake Erie and the Ohio 
with those of the Delaware, by the improvement of the 
rivers, convenient portages, and intermediate canals. In 
prosecution of this great conception, Dr. Rittennouse and 
others surveyed and levelled a route for a canal between 
the waters of the Susquehanna and Schuylkill rivers, by 
means of the Swatara and Tulpehocken Creeks. But a 
company was not incorporated for making such a canal 
until 29th September, 1791. 

The roads, particularly such as lead through a populous 
country, are constructed of stone, others of earth, all made 
upon plans which would not now be approved, but which 
nevertheless enable the traveller drawn in a coach by 4 
horses to travel from Philadelphia to Pittsburg, a distance 
of 303 miles, in 60 hours, and on shorter journies at the 
rate of from 6 to 7 miles the hour. The law prohibits any 
angle on these roads greater than 5 degrees, and few roads 
have steeper ascents than 3 3-4 degrees. 

, Q. Are there many bridges in Pennsylvania ? 

A. The great number of bridges, which Pennsylvania 
contains, has given it the name of the State of Bridges. 
Between sixty and seventy companies have leen author- 
ized to build bridges, and 50 have been completed at a cost 
of $1, 750,000. But, in many of the counties, the inhabit- 
ants have constructed bridges at their own expense. 
These bridges are usually of stone, costing from 10 to 40 
and even $60,000 each. 

On beholding these stone bridges, we are, at once, struck 
with the beauty and simplicity of their structure, while 
they seem to partake of the firmness of the everlasting 
hills. 

For the structure of its wooden bridges, Pennsylvania 
merits the highest commendation. In number, size, and 
grandeur of design they are scarcely equalled. In some 






X40 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

parts 01 Europe, they are held up as specimens of briged 
architecture, worthy of imitation. 

Q. Can you give an account of the Canals and Railroads 
in Pennsylvania ? 

A. The following extracts from authentic documents* 
give a summary view of the Canals and Railroads. 

STATE CANALS AND RAILROADS. 

These Canals and Railroads were undertaken at the ex- 
pense of the State, and continue under the control of the 
Legislature as public property. The construction and 
management of them are entrusted to three commission- 
ers, appointed annually by the Governor. 

Length. 
Delaware division, ... 60 
Columbia East division, - - 10 
Juniata Branch do - • - - 89 
Western Branch do - - - 105 
French Creek Feeder, - - 19 

Harrisburg line, £ - - 63 
Susquehanna division, ) 

North Branch do - - - 55 

West Branch do - - - 25 

Total, 426 

The main trunk of this system of canals commences at 
Columbia, at the termination of the Philadelphia and Co- 
lumbia Railroad, and extends thence westward 172 1-2 
miles, till it meets the Alleghany Portage railroad at Holli- 
daysburg. It recommences at the western extremity of 
the railroad, and continues westward 105 miles to the Mo- 
nongahela river at Pittsburg. 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. j 41 

The following Canals, undertaken by the State, are now 
in active prograss : 

Frankstoiun line of the Juniata division, exsending from 
Huntingdon to Hollidaysburg, is 30 1-2 miles in length' 
including about 15 3-4 miles of slackwater navigation. 

Beaver division commences on the Ohio -river at the 
mouth of Big Beaver, and extends to Newcastle. Length 
24 3-4 miles, of which about two-thirds are slack water 
and towing path. 

Franklin line commences on Alleghany river, at the 
mouth of French Creek, and extends up the latter 
stream till it meets the French Creek feeder. Length 22 
1-4 miles, seventeen of which are slack- water and towing- 
path. 

Lycoming line commences at Muncy dam, and extends 
up the W. Branch of the Susquehanna, and terminates at 
Big Island, opposite to the mouth of the Bald Eagle.— 
Length 41 l-i miles, of which about 10 miles are slack- 
water. 

Wyoming line of the North Branch division commences 
at the Nanticoke dam, and extends up the North Branch* 
terminates near the mouth of Lackawannock creek.— 
Length 16 miles. 

Columbia and Philadelphia Railroad commences in the 
city of Philadelphia, at the intersection of Vine and Broad 
streets, and terminates at Columbia. Length 81 miles 
and6-10ths. It is a handsome double track throughout. 
Estimated cost of the whole work, 2,297,120 dollars and 21 
cents. Average cost per mile, estimated at 28,173 dollars 
and 63 cents. 

Alleghany Portage Railroad. This railroad commences 
at Hollidaysburg, at the termination of the Frankstown 
line of the Juniata division of the main trunk of the canal, 
and extends to Johnstown, where it meets the western 
division of the canal. Length about 37 miles. The sum- 



142 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

rn.it of the mountain, where the railroad crosses it, is about 
1,398.71 feet above the basin of the canal on the eastern 
and 1,171.58 feet above that on the western side. The 
railroad is graded 25 feet wide with two sets of tracks, 
— On each side of the mountain there are five inclined 
planes, and two stationary engines. The greatest inclina- 
tion of these planes makes an angle of about 6 degrees 
with the horizon. The cost of this road with two tracks 
and the necessary machinery, is #1,271,718.' 

CANALS CONSTRUCTED BY PRIVATE COMPANIES. 

Schuylkill Canal and Navigation Company, incorporat- 
ed in 1815. The work was commenced in 1816, and the 
canal has now been in operation several years. Length 
1 10 miles ; dreadth at the surface, 36 feet, at the bottom, 
24 ; depth, 4 feet. Lockage, 620 feet. It extends from 
Philadelphia to Reading, and thence to Mount Carbon. — 
It comprises 31 dams, commencing at Fair Mount water 
works, near Philadelphia, by which is produced a slack- 
water navigation of 45 miles; 125 locks, 80 leet by 17 
wide, of which 28 are guard locks ; 17 arched aqueducts, 
a tunnel of 450 feet in length, cut through and under solid 
rock, and 65 toll and gate houses. The dams are from 3 to 
27 feet in height. Cost, to January 1, 1830, 2,336,380 
dollars. 

Union Canal. — This canal was constructed in 1827. It 
extends from Middletown on the Susquehanna river, to 
the head of the Girard canal, two miles below Reading, 
connecting the waters of the Susquehanna with those of 
the Schuylkill. 

Length, eighty miles, exclusive of the Swatara feeder 
which extend twenty-four miles. Its works comprehend 
a tunnel, 243 yards in length, eighteen feet wide, and 
fourteen high ; two summit reservoirs, containing twelve 
million cubic feet of water, the one covering twenty-se- 







OF PENNSYLVANIA. 143 

ven, the other eight acres ; two steam engines, each of 
100 horse power, and three water wheels for feeding the 
canal by pumping ; two dams, forty-three waste wiers, 
forty-nine culverts, one hundred and thirty-five bridges 
twelve small and two large aqueducts, two guard locks 
of wood, ninety-two cut-stone locks, and fourteen miles Of 
protection wall of stone. Width at the surface of the 
water, thirty-six feet, at bottom, twenty-four; depth, four 
feet. Dimensions of locks, 75 by 8 1-2 feet. There is also 
connected with this canal a railroad of about four miles in 
length, extending from the capacious basin at Pine Grove, 
to the coal mines. Cost of the canal and railroad, ex- 
clusive of interest on loans, about two millions of dol- 
lars. 

Lackaicaxen Canal. — This canal commences at the 
termination of the Delaware and Hudson Canal, near 
Carpenter's Point, and unites with a railroad at Hones- 
dale. Length, thirty-six miles; width at the surface, 
thirty-two feet ; at bottom, twenty feet ; depth, four feet ; 
In 1825, the Lackawaxen Company was authorized to act 
with the Delaware and Hudson Canal Company. Includ- 
ing seventeen miles of Lackawaxen river, these two ca- 
nals, united, form a navigation of 117 miles. Cost, $16,000 
per mile. 

Lehigh Canal. — Company incorporated in 1818. This 
canal extends from Easton, on the Delaware river, to 
Stoddartsville, connecting Morris Canal with the Mauch 
Chunk railroad. Length, including nine and three-quar- 
ter miles of slack- water pools, forty-six miles and three, 
fourths. Breadth, at the surface of the water, from sixty 
to sixty-five feet ; at bottom, forty-five feet ; depth, five 
feet. It has forty-three locks, of which two are guard- 
locks, beside five guard-locks at the several pools. Locks, 
100 feet by 22. Lockage, 360 feet. There are, also, eight 



144 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

dams, varying in height from six to sixteen ; four aque- 
ducts, and twenty-two culverts. Cost, $1,558,000. 

Conestoga Navigation. — Company incorporated in 1825. 
It extends from Safe Harbor on the Snsquehanna river, at 
the mouth of Conestoga creek, to Lancaster. Lengthy 
eighteen miles. The navigation is effected by a series of 
locks and dams. Locks, 100 feet by 22. Cost, $4,000 per 
mile. 

Conewago Canal, passing a fall of the same name on the 
Susquehanna river, is 1 1-2 miles in length. Lockage, 21 
feet. 

RAILROADS. 

The Mauch Chunk railroad was commenced in January 
1827, and completed in May following. It extends from 
the coal mines, near Mauch Chunk, down an inclined 
plane to Lehigh river. The elevation of the mines above 
the river, at the point where the coal is received in boats, 
is 936 feet. The railroad has a continued descent from 
the summit, so that the cars descend by their own gravi 
ty, and are drawn back by mules. Its length, from the 
mines to the river is nine miles, and that of its branches 
at the ends and sides four and a half. The coal is trans- 
ported in cars, fourteen of which are connected together, 
containing a ton and a half each. A single conductor 
rides on one of the cars, and regulates their movement. 
From three hundred to three hundred and forty tons of 
coal are discharged daily at the river. Single track. Cost, 
$3,050 per mile. 

Mount Carbon Railroad. — Company incorporated hi 
the spring of 1829, and the road commenced in October 
following. It commences at Mount Carbon, and extends 
to Morrisville, and thence through Pottsville to the Forks. 
Two and three tracks. Cost, one hundred thousand 
dollars. 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. 



145 



Schuylkill Valley Railroad commences at Port Carbon, 
and terminates at Tuscarora. Length, 10 miles. It has 
fifteen lateral railroads intersecting it, the united lengths 
of which amount to about thirteen miles. The main road 
has two tracks ; the lateral roads but one. Cost of the 
main stem, $5,500 per mile ; that of the lateral roads, 
$2,600 per mile. 

The Schuylkill Railroad, thirteen miles in length, con- 
sists of a double track ; cost, seven thousand dollars per 
mile. 

Mill Creek Railroad commences at Port Carbon, and 
extends up Mill Creek four miles. Single track. Cost, four- 
teen thousand dollars. About three miles of lateral rail- 
road intersect the main stem, which cost about two thou- 
sand dollars per mile. 

The West Branch Railroad commences at Schuylkill 
Haven, at the foot of Broad mountain. Length, including 
the West Branch, fifteen miles. Double track on the 
main stem. Cost, 150,000 dollars. There are, in addition, 
lateral branches of a single track, five miles long, inter- 
secting it, which cost per mile $2,000. 

Pine Grove Railroad extends from the mines to Swa- 
tara feeder, five miles. Cost, 30,000 dollars. (See Union 
Canal.) 

The Little Schuylkill Railroad commences at Port Clin- 
ton, and extends up the stream to the mines at Tamaqua, 
about 23 miles. Completed in 1831. 

The Lackawaxen Railroad commences at the termina- 
tion of the Lackawaxen and Delaware and Hudson Ca- 
nal, connecting that canal with the coal bed at Carbon- 
dale. Length, sixteen miles, an elevation of 800 feet be- 
ing overcome by five inclined planes, each from 2,000 
to 3,000 feet in length. Single track. Cost, 6,500 dollars 
per mile. 

13 



146 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

The Central Railroad extends from Danville to Sun- 
bury, near the junction of the Susquenanna with its 
West Branch. A branch railroad is to be constructed to 
Danville. 

The Westchester Railroad leads from the borough of 
West Chester to Paoli, where it joins the Philadelphia and 
Columbia railroad. Completed in 1832. Estimated cost, 
including cars and all other charges, ninety thousand dol- 
lars. 

Philadelphia and Trenton Railroad, constructed in 
1833, 26 3-4 miles long. This railroad extends from Phila- 
delphia to Trenton, N. J. on the Delaware, via Bristol, and 
Morrisville opposite Trenton. This will prove a great ac- 
commodation, particularly in seasons when the waters of 
the Delaware are low. 

Harrisburg and Chambersburg Railroad. From Har- 
risburg, via Carlisle, to Chambersburg, 48 miles, 145 miles 
W. by S. from Philadelphia. 

The Philadelphia, Germantown, and Norristown Rail- 
road is about nineteen miles in length, extending from 
Philadelphia to Norristown on the Schuylkill. Completed 
in 1832, as far as Germantown. A railroad is also pro- 
jected from Norristown to the Lenigh river, at Allentown. 

The Philadelphia and Delaware County Railroad is 
to extend from Philadelphia, southwesterly, along the 
western margin of the Delaware river. Leave has been 
obtained from the legislature of Delaware, to continue it 
through that state to the Maryland line, towards Balti- 
more. 

Sixty-seven other railroads have been projected in this 
state, and companies for constructing several of them 
have been incorporated. 

Q. What is the state of agriculture in Pennsylvania ? 

A. The best in the Union. Especially east ot the 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. \tf 

mountains, in the neighborhood of Philadelphia, in Latv 
caster comity and part of Cumberland — the contry is un- 
der excellent cultivation and great attention is paid to agri- 
cultural pursuits. The farms are generally of from 85 
to 250 acres, and very skillfully managed, especially 
among the Germans. Wheat, rye and maize are the 
most important products. Barly, oats and buckwheat 
are also considerably raised. The farmers of this state 
send the best flour in the Union to Ppiladelphia and Bal- 
timore. Pennsylvania also produces abundance of ex- 
cellent fruit, as apples, peaches, pears, plumbs, grapes, 
&c. &c. which are raised in quantities and great parfec- 
tion. The aurated melon of every discription is raised 
here ; and the produce is so plenty that they are some 
time sold for two cents a piece. Hemp and flax are also 
raised. The hop is also cultivated here. Culinary veg- 
etables, potatoes, turnips, cabbage, &s. &c. &c. 

Q. What is the state of commerce and manufactures ? 

A. It is not practicable to obtain a correct knowledge 
of the commerce or Manufactures of the state, we have 
therefore adopted the treasury report of 1830, not having 
had any other at hand. This however will give us a pret- 
ty correct idea of the commerce and manufactrues of 
Pennsylvania. 

The tonnage which entered the ports was 77,016, and 
that which departed was 67,829. Of the number of Amer- 
ican vessels and their tonnage, there were entered 72,009 
tons, and departed 63,022, giving employment in repeated 
voyages, to 3,907 seamen, and there were registered in 
that year 448 seamen. The hospital money received from 
seamen amounted to $4,1 11- 13.— $2,934-97 were received 
from registered vessels, contributed by 4082 seamen, and 
#1,176-34 from enrolled and licensed vessels, contributed 
by 1 173 seamen. 

During the same period, six vessels, tonnage 791,80 



148 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM. 

surrendered their registers, and were enrolled and licen- 
sed. 7 enrolled and licensed vessels, tonnage 923, took 
registers,— -3 vessels, tonnage 257, had their registers 
changed in consequence of the alteration in their con- 
struction. New registers were issued for 64 vessels, ton- 
nage 13,534 tons. The enrolments and licenses of 78 ves- 
sels, tonnage 5,033, were changed in consequence of new | 
owners. 

The imports into the state amounted to$8,702,122; the 
exports to $4,291,793. The whole amount of the exports 
of the United States for 1830, was $73,849,508, and that of 
the imports, $70,876,920, and the excess therefore of the 
exports was $2,972,588. Of this excess, Pennsylvania con- 
tributed her fair proportion, and consequently exported 
more than she imported. If we add therefore to her im- 
ports, one million for goods from Baltimore and New Or- 
leans, we have safely estimated her exports at ten millions 
of dollars. But when it is considered that this amount 
of exports does not include her flour, her iron, or coal, 
shipped coastwise, we must estimate the commercial pro- 
ducts of the state much higher. 

The quantity of flour inspected at Philadelphia in 1831 
was474,076 barrels. We might perhaps double this quan- 
tity, for the amount of flour, or equivalent of grain ex- 
ported, much of which passes to Baltimore and to New 
Orleans. 

The coal business has already became a very import- 
ant item in the trade of Pennsylvania. 

There is every reason to believe, that thedemand and 
supply will increase for many years in the same ratio, un- 
til a million of tuns per annum will be produced, And 
this amount is far within the bounds of rational conjec- 
ture. That quantity, however, will, at present prices, 
make a gross annual return of 6* millions, and will em- 
ploy 10,000 vessels for its transportation. 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. I49 

On the subject of manufactures we may observe, that 
we have no means to determine the precise quantity and 
value of the products of most branches of this kind of in- 
dustry. 

We give the following, as an approximation to the 
quantity and value of the manufactured articles, which 
require legislative protection. 

Iron, 50,000, at an average value of 70 dollars the ton, 
3,500,000. Salt, 100,000 barrels, at 5 bushels to the barrel, 
at $2 the barrel, 200,000. Cotton.— This article employs 
67 mills, with a capital of $3,758,500, and produce for sale 
2,192,865 pounds of yarn, and 21,332,467. yards of cloth 
employing about 30,000 men, women, and children — value 
of products, $2,681,462. There are several considerable 
woolen manufacturies near Philadelphia and Pittsburg, 
and many small establishments dispersed throughout the 
state. 

Of flint glass, there is one furnace at Philadelphia, with 
6 pc ts ; at Pittsburg 4, whith 32 pots ; at Wellsburg 2, 
with 12 pots. Four furnaces for hollow green ware at 
Philadelphia, and one at Williamsport. 

For the manufacture of cylinder window glass, at Pitts- 
burg 4, at Brownsville 5, at Williamsport 1, at Briming- 
ham 1, New Geneva 1, New Albany 1, Bridgeport 1, Per- 
ry opolis 1, Dandruff 1, Wayne county 1, and perhaps 
others. j^ 

Of the glass manufactories, we cannot give the quanti- 
ty or value of product. The window glass and hollow 
ware, made at, and in the neighborhood of Pittsburg, is 
estimated at more than $500,000 per annum, 

The total value of manufactures, including about 250 
different articles, is estimated at seventy millions of dol- 
lars ! 

Q. What is the state of Education in Pennsylvania ? 

A. Though we have a number of literary institutions, 
13* 



150 GtlOitAPGHICAIi CATECHISM 

education, is notwithstanding in a backward condition, 
Cfc. What are the principal institutions of learning ? 

A. Universities, colleges, academies, common schools, 
lyceums, and Sunday schools, &c. &c. 

Q. Can yon name those of a higher grade ? 
A. The University of Pennsylvania, one of the most 
useful and respectable in the commonwealth, was first 
chartered in 1753, and received its present form in 1780. 
It t has a real estate valued at $167,059,33, and an an- 
nual income of $15,290,39;— The Western University, at 
Pittsburg, in 1820 ; Dickinson College, at Carlisile, in 17- 
83; Franklin College, at Lancaster, in 1787, now closed ; 
Jefferson College, at Cannonsburg, in 1802; Washington | 
College, at Washington, in 1806; Alleghany College, at 
Meadville, in 1815; Lafayette College, at Easton, in 1826 ; 
Madison College, at Union-town ; Mount Airy College,a t 
Germantown ; Pennsylvania College, at Gettysburg, in 
1632 ; Marshall College at Mercersburg, in 1836 ; Had- 
dington College, Philadelphia, in 1836. The whole num- 
ber now in operation, is ten. In this respect Pennsylva- 
nia exceeds every state in the Union. 

Academies or high schools, designed for teaching the 
higher branches of English Education, &c. have been es- 
tablished in almost every county in the state ; and the 
most of them have received pecuniary aid from the Le- 
gislature. Except the one at Litiz, under the care of 
John Beck. This school sustains a high reputation. The 
system of instruction is efficient and useful. 

Besides the seminaries above mentioned, there are in 
Pennsylvania, an Institution for the Deaf and Dumb, an 
Institution for the Blind, and five Theological Seminaries, 
namely, the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettys- 
burg, established in 1826 ; the Theological Seminary of 
the German Reformed Church, at York, established at 
Carlisle, in 1824, removed to York in 1826, and recently to 



Otf PENNSYLVANIA* 151 

Mercersburg ; the Western Theological Seminary, at Alle* 
ghany-town, established in 1828; and the Theological Sem- 
inary of the Associate Reformed Church, in the vicinity 
of Cannonsburg, establised in 1834. 

The learned societies are, the American Philosophical 
Society, instituted in 1769; Pennsylvania Academy of 
Fine Arts, founded in 1805 ; the Academy of Natural Sci- 
ences, founded in 1812; and the Pennsylvania Historical 
Society, founded in 1825. And a Geological Society — sev- 
eral Teachers Associations, &c. 

Q* What is the state of common schools P 

A. Though the framers of the constitution of Pennsyl- 
vania made provision of a general nature for the educa- 
tion of the poor grates: "The Legislature shall, as soon 
as conveniently may be, provide by law for the establish- 
ment of schools throughout the state, in such manner that 
the poor may be taught gratis." Vide Constitution of Penn- 
sylvania. 

From the adoption of the constitution of 1790, until 1809, 
no legislative provision of a general nature was made. 
An act was then passed "for the education of the poor 
gratis.' 1 It required a report to be made by the assessors 
of the townships, wards, and boroughs, to the commission- 
ers of the respective counties, of all children between the 
ages of five and 12 years, whose parents were unable to 
provide for their education : and that when the lists had 
been approved by the commissioners, that such parents 
should be notified thereof, and be permitted to send their 
children to the most convenient schools, at the expense of 
the county. 

This act continued in force until it was repealed by that 
of 29th March, 1824; providing, that every township 
should elect three "schoolmen," who should superintend 
the education of the poor children within their townships, 
and "cause them to be instructed as other children are 



152 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

treated ; the expenses of tuition to be paid by the coun- 
ty." But each county might authorise the schoolmen to 
dividethe township into school districts, and to establish 
schools at the township expense, to which all children be- 
longing to the district might be sent for 3 years; at any 
time between the ages of 6 and 14 years. This law was 
applicable to the whole state, with the exception of cer- 
tain school districts in the city and county of Philadelphia, 
and city and county of Lancaster. It was repealed in 
1826, and the act of 1809 was revived. 

By the act of 2d April, 1831, however, the basis of an 
efficient school fund was laid. The Secretary of the 
Commonwealth, the Auditor General, and the Secretary 
of the Land Office were appointed commissioners to re- 
ceive and manage the school fund, with power to receive 
and hold for the use thereof, all gifts, grants, and dona- 
tions that might be made thereto ; and all the monies due 
the commonwealth by the holders of unpatented lands ; 
also all monies secured to the commonwealth by mortga- 
ges or liens on land for the same ; as also all fees re- 
ceived in the land office, with the addition of the sum of 
one mill on the dollar, added to the county rates by the 
act of the 25th March, 1831, are assigned to the common 
school fund, and held by the commonwealth for the use 
thereof, at the interest of five per cent, per annum. The 
interest is directed to be added to the principal as it be- 
comes due, and the whole amount to be holden by the 
commonwealth, subject to the payment of interest on 
loans made to the state for internal improvements, until 
the interest shall amount to one hundred thousand dollars 
annually, after which the interest is to be distributed an- 
nually for the support of common schools throughout the 
commonwealth, in such manner as shall hereafter be pro 
vided bylaw. 
By the legislature of 1833, $75,000 were appropriated 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. 153 

for distribution among the different counties, on condition 
that the people of each school district raise by tax, double 
that sum. 

Another appropriation is annually made of $100,000 by 
the United States Bank of Pennsylvania, for and in con- 
sideration of banking privileges, for the term of 30 years. 
Thus, at present, 1836, $175,000 are appropriated for 
distribution among the different counties, according to 
An Act to consolidate and amend the several acts relative 
to a system of Education by Common Schools, passed and 
approved June 13, 1836. 
We here insert a synopsis of the act of 1836. 
Every township, and every borough, not connected 
with the township in the assessment of county rates, not 
within the city and incorporated districts of the county 
of Philadelphia, constitutes a school district ; and in each 
district are six school directors, elected on the day when 
constables are elected — these may authorize a tax to be 
laid necessary for school purposes, not less than equal toy 
nor more than treble, the amount which the district is en- 
titled to receive from the general state appropriation ; and 
for the purpose of raising any additional sum that may 
be deemed necessary, meetings shall be called of the taxa- 
ble inhabitants of the township or district, by the directors, 
on the first Tuesday of May annually ; notice of the time 
and place of holding such election being first given by at 
least six advertisements put up at the most public places 
in such township or district, for the space of two weeks, 
a majority of whom shall decide, by ballot, how much and 
what additional sum shall be raised for school purposes ; 
and any additional sum so authorized, shall be assessed 
and collected, paid over and distributed in the same man- 
ner that is provided by this act. 

The assessor of every ward, township, or borough 
composing any school district as aforesaid, shall upon 



154 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

demand furnish the school directors of the district with 
a correct copy of the last adjusted valuation in the same 
for county purposes ; whereupon the board of directors 
shall, on or before the first day of June, annually, proceed 
to levy and apportion the said tax as follows, viz : 

1. On each male taxable inhabitant of the district, a poll 
tax at their discretion, not exceeding 50 cents. 

2. On all offices and posts of profit, professions, trades 
and occupations, and on all single freemen, above the age 
of 21 years, who do not follow any occupation, not ex- 
ceeding the amount assessed on the same for county pur- 
poses. 

3. On personal property which was made taxable by 
an act entitled "An act assessing a tax on personal prop- 
erty, to be collected with the county rates and levies, for 
the use of the commonwealth," passed the twenty-fifth 
day of March, one thousand eight hundred and thirty- 
one ; and the said property shall continue to be assessed 
according to the provisions of said act, and upon all prop- 
erty now taxable for county purposes: Provided, That 
said act taxing personal property, shall not be so con- 
strued as to make widows dower liable to the payment 
Gf taxes, and upon all property, now taxable for county 
purposes. 

If the citizens of a district will accept of the provisions 
of the law, which must be decided by a majority, then 
the directors may also hold property for the use of the 
schools in said district. If the citizens of a district re- 
ject the act, then the old act of 1809, remains in force in 
that district. 

The Secretary of the commonwealth is general superin- 
tendent of all the schools. 

Besides the general provisions for education above no- 
ticed, special ones have been enacted for portions of the 
state. Thus in 1818, the city and county of Philadelphia 
were erected into a district, called the " first school dis- 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. 155 

trict" of Pennsylvania. By the act of April 1, 1822, the 
city and county of Lancaster* was erected into the " sec- 
ond school district," with privileges and duties similar to 
the first. By the act of 11th April, 1827, the same system 
was established at Harrisburg; and by act of Feb. 19, 
1828, at Pittsburg. 

Q. Are there other modes of diffusing general and sci- 
entific knowledge, than through the medium of Colleges, 
Academies, and Common Schools, among the people P 

A. There are; such as Lyceums, Sunday Schools,Tract 
"Societies, Bible Societies, and Newspapers. 

Q. What are Lyceums ? 

A. Lyceums are voluntary literary associations for men- 
tal improvement. 

Q. Where was the first Lyceum of any extent organized 
in Pennsylvania ? 

A. The first is the Pennsylvania Lyceum, organized the 
^9th of August, 1835. Soon after, a number of county, 
township, school, and other lyceums were organized by 
Josiah Holbrook and I. Daniel Rupp, of Cumberland 
county, agents for the Pennsylvania Lyceum, who visited 
various parts of the state under the direction of the 
board of managers. These associations have already 
done incalculable good in the general diffusion of knowl- 
edge among the people. The system of instruction is of 
a peculiar character. 

Sunday Schools, Bible, Tract, and Temperance Socie- 
ties are numerous, and have exerted a very salutary in- 
fluence upon the people. 



* If the city of Lancaster will adopt the act of 1836, then the act of 
182-2, and the supplement thereto of 1823, will he null and void i» 
tk« city. 



156 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

Q. What is the state of Religion in Pennsylvania ? 

A. If the number of societies is a criterion to judge deep 
toned piety and religion, then would Pennsylvania have 
her share, with other states, of religion. 

There are a great variety of religious societies in this 
state ; and yet, perhaps, with all these societies, and differ- 
ent denominations, no state in the Union, in which the 
varieties of origins, opinions, faith, fashions, and modes of 
life, amalgamate into a more marked and distinct nation- 
ality, than in the people of this state. 

Q. What are the principal Chnrch divisions, or De- 
nominations, as they are called ? 

A. The following table exhibits at one view the religious 
denominations, &c. in Pennsylvania. 







*2 


s?1 


DENOMINATIONS. 


s 3 


B'3 


mber 
emben 


Presbyterians, (3 synods) 


476 


337 


50,988 


Methodist Episcopal, 




252 


74,106 


Evangelical Lutheran Church, 


311 


92 


33,124 


German Reformed, 


150 


50 


15,000 


Baptist, 


157 


121 


11,103 


United Brethren, (Moravians,) 


11 


19 


2,900 


Associate Presbyterians, 


12 


36 


2,650 


Reformed Dutch Church, 


8 


8 


1,671 


Friends, 


150 






Protestant Episcopal, 




71 


1 


Roman Catholics, (2 bishops,) 


56 


42 




New Jerusalem, (Swedenborgians,) 


* 7 


5 




United Brethren in Christ, 




35 


3,500 


German Dunkards, (Tauefer,) 




25 


7,000 


Evangelical Society, (Albrights,) 




42 


4,300 


Seventh Day Baptists, 




5 


3,000 


Freewill Baptists, 




12 


1,000 






so 


2,000 


20 


1,500 


6 


600 


20 


3,500 


12 


t 


upporting the Poor 


v and 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. 157 

" Church of God,"* 

Protestant Methodists, 

Disciples, (Campbellites) 

Ornish, 

Universalists, 

Jews, (2 Synagogues,) 

Q. What is the plan for 
whence its origin ? 

A. The plan for supporting the poor in Pennsylvania 
had its origin in England. It is thought that some better 
system might be adopted ; that the pressent, while it is 
oppressive to the industrious, is calculated to encourage 
indolence and vice among- the poor. In every township, 
officers are appointed to superintend the poor, whose bu- 
siness is to raise taxes, contract for the board and employ- 
ment of the poor, to put out, as apprentices, orphan chil- 
dren, and others, who have not parents capable of attend- 
ing to them, &c. 

Each township is required to support its own poor only? 
and is allowed to remove such paupers as belong to other 
parts of the state. 

In most of the south-eastern and central counties, the 
plan for supporting the poor, is somewhat improved. Alms- 
houses are erected on large farms, where the poor find 
employment, and thus aid in supporting themselves. 

Q. What may be said of Pennsylvania touching prison 
discipline ? 

A. To the praise of Pennsylvania, it may be said, that 
from the earliest period, she has made continued efforts 



* By the "Church of God," is not meant a sectarian denomination, 
but simply what it signifies in the Bible, viz : Ministers and Peo- 
ple, who are formed into free and independent churches, upon the 
Apostolic or New Testament plan, without human names, laws, and 
inventions. 

t Call all " brethren."* 
14 



153 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

to improve prison discipline, and mitigate the sufferings 
of the prisoner. The intercourse, which prisoners have 
been allowed to have with each other, has been, most in- 
jurious in its effects. It has not only prevented reforma- 
tion, but conducted to render more outrageous the law- 
less offender. Effects so injurious, suggested the plan of 
solitary confinement. 

Such an idea was streneously opposed, and many argu- 
ments were urged against it. By persevering efforts, the 
objections were removed, the legislature was induced to 
adopt the plan, and two penitentiaries have been erected, 
solely with a view to solitary confinement. One is loca- 
ted at Philadelphia, and is called the Eastern Penitentiary; 
the other, at Pittsburg, is called the Western Penitentiary. 

"The Eastern Penitentiary is situated in Spring Garden, 
on one of the most elevated, airy, and healthy sites near 
Philadelphia. The ground, occupied by it, contains 
about ten acres. The material, with which it is built is 
gneis, in large masses. Every room is vaulted, and fire 
proof. The design and execution impart a grave, severe, 
and awful character to the external aspect. The effect 
on the imagination is peculiarly impressive, solemn, and 
instructive. This is said to be the largest edifice in this 
country, and is the only one, which conveys an idea of the 
external appearance of those magnificient and pictures- 
que castles of the middle ages, which contributed, so em- 
inently, to embellish the scenery of Europe." 

'• The front of this ediffice is composed of large blocks 
of hewn stone. The walls are twelve feet thick at the 
base, and diminish at the top, where they are two and a 
half feet in thickness. A wall thirty feet in height, enclo- 
ses an area six hundred and forty feet square. At each 
angle of the wall, is a tower for the purpose of overlook- 
ing the establishment. Three other towers are situated 
near the gate of entrance. The facade, or principal front. 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. 159 

is six hundred and seventy feet in length. In the centre 
of the front, there is building two hundred feet in length, 
and consists of two projecting massy square towers, 50 
feet high. The munnioned windows in these towers, con- 
tribute, in a high degree to the picturesque effect." 

" The great gateway, in the centre, is a very conspicu- 
ous feature. It is 27 feet high, ]5 wide, and is filled by a 
massive wrought iron portcullis, and double oaken gates, 
studded with projecting iron rivets, the whole weighing 
several tons, yet they can be opened with the greatest fa- 
cility. A lofty rectangular tower, 80 feet high, designed 
to contain an alarm bell and a clock, surmounts this en- 
trance, and forms a picturesque and proportional centre. 
On each side of the main building, (which contains the 
apartments of wardens, keepers, domestics, &c.,) are 
screen wing walls, which appear to constitute portions of 
the main edifice." 

" In the centre of the great court, is an observatory, 
whence long corridors, seven in number, radiate ( only 
3 or 4 of them are at present finished.) On each side of 
these corridors, the cells are situated. A novel and in- 
genious contrivance, in each cell, prevents the possbility 
of conversation, preserves the purity of the atmosphere, 
and dispenses with the otherwise unavoidable necessity 
of leaving the apartments, except when the regulations 
permit. Flues conduct heated air from large cockle 
stoves to the cells. Light is admitted by glass in the 
crown of the arch. The cells are 11 feet 9 inches long, 7 
feet 6 inches wide. At the extremity is a door way, lead- 
ing to a yard, atached to each cell in the lower story. 
These yards 18 feet by 8 ; the walls of which are 11 and 
a half feet high." 

The cost of this building, when completed, will proba- 
bly exceed a million. 

The prisoners are required to clean their rooms once a 



160 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

week, water being conveyed to them by means of pipes. 
Their washing and mending are regularly attended to ; 
they have straw to sleep on, plenty of wholesome food 
to eat, and when sick, a physician attends them, and they 
have food suited to their necessities. 

" This system of punishment, is emphatically called the 
system of Pennsylvania, and consists in solitary confine- 
ment at labor, with instructions in labor, in morals, and 
religion. It is an experiment, in the success of which all 
good men are interested. The prospect of a beneficial 
result is highly flattering as it relates to the morals of the 
prisoners, and the means of supporting them from the 
produce of thier labors." 

" When a convict first arrives, he is placed in a cell, and 
left alone without work, and without any book. His mind 
can only operate on itself. Generally, but a few hours 
elapse, before he petitions for something to do, and for a 
Bible. No instance has occurred, in which such a peti- 
tion has been delayed more than a day or two. If the 
prisoner has a trade, that can be pursued in his cell, he 
is put to work as a favor ; as a reward for good behaviour, 
a Bible is given him. If he has no trade, or one that can- 
not be pursued in his cell, he is allowed to choose one that 
can, and is instructed by one of the overseers. Thus 
work, and moral and religious instruction are regard- 
ed, and received as favors, and are withheld as punish- 
ments." 

The prisoners have not only a physician to attend to 
their bodies, but one to attend to their souls. When they 
have preaching, the outer doors of their cells are opened. 
The preacher stands near the end of the corridor, where 
all the prisoners can hear, while they can neither see the 
preacher, nor see each other. There, in awful silence, 
they listen to those truths which must have a bearing on 
their destinies for eternity.. 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. 161 

As we may gaze on the impenetrable walls, high tow- 
ers, long narrow windows, double oaken, iron-rivited 
doors of this prison, our strength becomes weakness, and 
we reflect on the awful tendancy of crime. As we enter 
the solitary cells, examine the thicknes of the walls, the 
doors bolted and barred, we think of that prison which 
will be the abode of the impenitent forever. 

Q. What is the amount of the Banking Capital of Penn- 
sylvania. 

A. The following table, collated from the Auditor Gene- 
ral's Report for 1835 and '36, and from the pamphlet laws 
of the sessions of 1835-36, gives a brief view of the Bank- 
ing Capital of Pennsylvania. 

BANKS. CAPITAL. 

Bank of Pennsylvania, $2,500,OOU 

Philadelphia Bank, 1,800,000 

Girard Bank, 1,500,000 

Farmers' and Mechanics' Bank, 1,250,000 
Mechanics' Bank of the city and ? . n _. A 

county of Philadelphia, 5 1 ' Urf4 '' 4y 

Bank of North America, 1,000,000 

Commercial Bank of Pa. 1,000,000 
Schuylkill Bank, city of Philadelphia, 997,275 

Western Bank of Philadelphia, 500,000 

Manufacturers' and Mechanics' } n 

Bank, Northern Liberties, $ J™,"™ 

Bank of Northern Liberties, 30o,000 

Southwark Bank, 250,000 

Kensington Bank, 250,000 

Penntownship Bank, 249,880 

Moyamensing Bank, 125,000 

Bank of Germantown, 152,000 

Bank of Delaware county, 104,450 

Bank of Montgomery county, 133,650 

Bank of Chester county, 210,000 

Farmers* Bank of Bucks county, 60,000 

Doylestown Bank, 60,000 

14* 



162 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISUT 

Easton Bank, 347,505 

Northampton Bank, 124,685 

Farmers' Bank of Lancaster, 400,000 

Lancaster Bank, 139,432 

Columbia Bridge Company, 395,000 

York Bank, 185,592 

Harrisburg Bank, 300,000 

Middleto wn Bank, 79,7 15 

Miners' Bank, 199,740 

Farmers' Bank of Reading, 300,360: 

Carlisle Bank, 213,622: 

Northumberland Bank, 100,000 

Wyoming Bank,, 58,665. 

Lebanon Bank, 68,130 

Gettysburg Bank, 122,333 

Chambersburg, 258,582 

Merchants' and Manufacturers' > rtiQQ ,..«. 

Bank of Pittsburg, 5 5 * y > && * 





Bank of Pittsburg, 




875,050 




Monongahela Bank, 




107,331 




Lewistown Bank, 




71,380 




Towando Bank, 




150,000 




Lumberman's Bank, at 


Warren 


100,000 




Erie Bank, 




25,700 




Note. — The above is the amount 


of the capital stock 




paid in. 








SAVINGS INSTITUTIONS. 




CAPITAL. 




Lancaster, 




$3,800 




Harrisburg, 




13,235 




Pittsburg, 




20,248 




Philadelphia, 




173,140 




The following Banks were 


k incorporated in 1836, viz-: 




BANKS.. 




CAPITAL. 




United States Bank, 




$35,000,000 




Exchange Bank of Fittsburg, 


1,000,000 




Franklin Bank, 




300,000 




Honesdale Bank, 




100,000 




Bank of Berks county, 




200,000 











OF PENNSYLVANIA. 163 

The following had their capital increased, per act of 
1836, viz: 

Farmers' Bank of Bucks Co., from $60,000 to $200,000 
Lumberman's Bank, " 100,000 to 200,000 

M ztrL™ d Lts: cs i «*«»» «*«» 

Penntownship Bank, 229,880 to 500,000 

Q. What are the sources of Revenue of Pennsylvania ? 

A. They are various and numerous. That you may 
have some idea we give a " Summary Statement" of the 
Receipts at the State Treasury, commencing November I, 
1834, and ending October 31, 1835. 

Lands and Land Office fees, $26,395 94 

Auction commissions, 10,900 00 

Auction duties, 57,252 0& 

Dividends on bank stock, 150,730 00> 

Dividends on bridge, turnpike, > 2Q 45g og 

and navigation stock, ) ' 

Tax on bank dividends, 68,508 la 

Tax on certain offices, 13,783 66 

Tax on coal companies, 1,314 10 

Tavern licenses, 57,826 5& 

Retailers' licenses, 80,727 84 

State maps, 110 00 

Pamphlet law3, 159 24 

Collateral inheritance tax, 32,166 56 

Militia and exempt fines, 787 63. 

Tin and clock pedlars' licenses, 1 ,625 00 

Hawkers' and pedlars' licenses, 4,237 0& 

Increase of county rates and levies, 188,019 94 

Tax on personal property, 20,943 10= 

Canal and railroad tolls, 684,357 77 

Loans, 1,629,660 00 

Premiums on loans, 120,916 60 

Premiums on bank charters, 66,608 90 

Tax on writs, &c. 24,745 91 

Fees of the Secretary of State's Office, 456 01 

Old debts and miscellaneous, 2,904 07 

Total, $3,273,563 2k 



104 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

| Q. What is the early history of Pennsylvania ? 

A. William Penn, the son of a British admiral of Lon- 
don, was educated as a lawyer, but from some peculiari- 
ty of habit, joined the Quakers, then an obscure and perse- 
cuted sect, with a view to seek an asylum for the oppos- 
ed, and in consideration of services rendered by his fath- 
er to the British crown, excepted of a tract of land, gran- 
ted to him by Charles II. King of England, in 1681. This 
tract lay on this side of the Atlantic, including Pennsylva- 
nia and Delaware 

In the Autumn of 1681, numerous emigrants to whom 
Penn had sold a part of the land, came over to America 
in three vessels, and settled on the Delaware river, near 
where Philadelphia is now located. 

These people brought with them a letter from Penn to 
the Indians, in which he informed them, that the great 
God had been pleased to make him concerned in their part 
of the world, and that his king had given him a large tract 
of country therein, but that he did not intend to take pos- 
session of it without their consent, that he was a man of 
peace, and that the people whom he sent were peaceable 
too, and if any difficulty should occur between them, it 
might be settled by an equal number of men on both 
sides. 

In the fall of 1682, Penn himself carre over with 20O 
people, During his stay, he assembled some of the Indi- 
an chiefs and formed a treaty with them. His mild and 
affable deportment made a most favorable impression on 
the minds of the savages. He walked with them, sat 
with them on the ground, and ate with them of their 
roasted corn and hominy. 

With this they were greatly delighted, and to express 
their joy began to hop and jump. They were much pleas- 
ed with Penn, and long remembered him with respect 
and affection. This treaty, which was never violated, was 
made under a great elm tree near Kensington, not far from 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. 165 

the river. During the ceremony, Penn wore, as a mark of 
distinction, a sash of blue net work. This sash still exists 
in England. 

This memorable tree, called the treaty tree, was blown 
down on the 3d of March, 1812. Many articles have 
since been made of its wood, which are highly prized as 
relics. It was a wide spreading tree, the main branches 
were 150 feet in length, the circumference 24 feet, and the 
age of the tree was 283 years. To perpetuate its memo- 
ry, a rectangular marble monument has been erected, 
near the site where it stood. 

Penn founded the city of Philadelphia in 1681, and in 
1684, he returned to England, leaving the colony in a flour- 
ishing state. The first settlers, however, had many pri- 
vations to endure, and were obliged to live in caves, till 
they were able to erect better dwellings. 

Most of these habitations were dug in the side of a high 
bank, on the east side of Front street, and where half be- 
low the ground and half above. The upper part of the 
cave was constructed of sods and brush wood, and roofed 
with bark and branches of trees. The chimneys were of- 
ten of grass and kneaded clay. The ground, on the Del- 
aware where these caves were dug, was very high, and 
thickly covered with pine trees. 

Pennsylvania had a more rapid growth than either of 
the other colonies. This was owing partly to a healthy 
climate, fruitful soil, abundance of wild game ; partly to 
the benefits, which resulted from the experiments made by 
other colonists, and partly to the religious toleration, mild- 
ness and justice of laws, and their administration. At- 
tracted by these favorable circumstances, numerous emi- 
grants flocked to Pennsylvania, and in four years after 
the province was granted to Penn, it contained twenty 
settlements and the city of Philadelphia 2,000 inhabit 
tants. 



160 



GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 



Penn returned to the province in 1 699, and found some 
discontent among the people. To remove this, he gave 
them a new charter, which was submitted to the assembly* 
and accepted. But the people, in that part of the settle- 
ment, which now forms the State of Delaware, were dis- 
pleased with the charter, refused to accept of it, were se- 
perated from Pennsylvania, and became a distinct assem- 
bly. 

This was Penn's last visit to America. Returning to 
England soon after, he died there in 1718, having sustain- 
ed a most excellent character. He was persecuted on ac- 
count of his religious principles, accused of wiched con- 
duct, and twice imprisoned by order of government. But 
he nobly sustained these trials, lived to see every suspicion 
wiped from his character, and his life teaches us, that 
" when a man's ways please the Lord, he maketh, even 
his enemies, to be at peace with him." 

A tide of prosperity continued to flow into this colony 
the Indians remained at peace for 70 years, and the lasting 
prosperity of Pennsylvania is an elegant eulogium on the 
character of Penn. (See Parley's History.) 

Principal Stage B-outes in Pennsylvania, 

1. From Phila- 
delphia to Pitts- 
burg. 

From Phila. to 

Buck tavern 

Paoli 

West Whiteland, 

Downingtown, 

Coatesville, 

Sadsbury, 

Paradise 

Lancaster, 

Mount Joy, 

Elizabethtown, 



I* 




10 


' 


9 


19 


5 


24 ii 


5 


29 


7 


36 


3 


39 


13 


52 


10 


62 


12 


74 


7 


81 



Middletowo, 
High Spire, 
HARR1SBURG, 

Hogestown, 
Carlisle, 
Stoughstown, 
Shippensburg, 
Green Village, 
Chamber sburg, 
St. Thomas, 
Loudontown, 
McConnellsburg, 
Juniata Crossings, 



Miles. 

7 


Miles. 
88 


3 


91 


6 


97 


9 


106 


9 


115 


13 


128 


8 


136 


6 


142 


5 


147 


9 


156 


6 


162 


7 


169 


20 


1 189 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. 



167 



Bedford, 
Sckellsburg, 

>wn, 
Laughlintown, 
Ligonier, 
Youngstown, 
Greensburg, 
Adanisburg, 
Stewartsville, 
Pittsburg, 



2. FromPhiladel- 
defphia to Pitts- 
bu?'g,v'm Colum- 
bia and York. 
From Phila. to 

Lancaster, as in No. 1 

Colombia, 

York, 

Abbott's town, 

Oxford, 

Gettysburg, 

Chambersburg, 

Pittsburg, as in No. 1 



3. From Philadel- 
phia to Balti- 
more, via Wil- 
mington, Del. 
From Phila. to 

Darby, 

Chester, 

Marcus Hook, 

Wilmington, Del. 

Newport, 

Staunton 

Christiana, 

Newark, 

Elkton, 

North East, 

Charleston, 

Havre de Grace, 



Mis. 

204 
213 
233 
§49 
252 
262 
272 

283 
301 



72 
84 
99 
104 
113 
138 
153 



15 

20 
28 
33 
34 
38 
43 
48 
54 
57 
64 



Hall's Cross Roads, 

Harford, 

Little Gun Powder, 

Baltimore, 



4. From Philadel- 
phia to Balti- 
more, via Port 
Deposite. 
From Phila. to 

Darby, 

Nether Providence 

Concord, 

Kennett's Square, 

New London Cross 
Roads, 

Port Deposite, 

Herbert's X Roads 

Bdl Air, 

Kingsville, 

Baltimore, 



5. From Philadel- 
phia to Lancas- 
ter, via West- 
Chester. 
From Phila. to 

Haverford, 

Newton, 

West Chester, 

Marihalton, 

Gap, 

Strasburg, 

Lancaster, 



6. From Philadel- 
phia to Mauch 
Chimk,viaPotts 
mile. 
From Phila. to 
Norristown, 



16 



10 



J 68 



GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 



Trap, 

Pottstown, 

Reading, 

Hamburg', 

Orwigsburg, 

Pottsville, 

Middleport, 

Tuscarora, 

Tamaqua, 

Mauch Chunk, 



7. From Philadel- 
phia to Lancas- 
ter, via the Yel- 
low Springs. 
From Phila. to 

Gulf Mills, 

Valley Farge, 

Kimberton, 

Yellow Springs, 

Marsh, 

Churchtown, 

Earl, 

New Holland, 

Leacock, 

Lancaster, 



8. From Philadel- 
phia to Mont- 
rose 
From Phila. to 

Rising Sun, 

Germanfcown, 

Chesnut Hill, 

Spring House, 

Montgomery Square, 

Lexington, 

Sellarsville, 

Quakertown, 

Freyburg, 

Bethlehem, 

Hecktown, 

Nazareth, 



Mis. 

26 
36 
52 

67 
78 
86 
94 
98 
103 
118 



21 
27 
31 
45 
49 
54 
57 
66 
70 



6 
9 
17 
21 
25 
32 
37 
43 
51 
56 
59 



Mis. 



Jacobsburg, 

Wind Gap, 

Mount Pocono, 

Wilkesbarre, 

Kingston, 

New Troy, 

Exeter, 

Eaton, 

Tunkhannock, 

Springville, 

Montrose, 



8. From Philadel- 
phia to Norris- 
town. 
From Phila. to 

Penn township, 
Manayunk, 
Roxborough, 
Norristown, 



10. From Phila- 
delphia to Eas 
ton. 
From Phila. to 

Rising Sun, 

Jenkintown, 

Willow Grove, 

Horseham, 

Loylestown, 

Danboro' 

Ottsville, 

Durham, 

Easton, 



11. From Phila- 
delphia to Win- 
chester, Va. 
From Phila. to 

Lancaster as in No. 1 
Columbia, 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. 



169 





Mis. 


Mis. - 




Mis. 


Mis 


York, 


12 


84 


Millerstown, 


15 


29 


Pigeon Hill, 


8 


92 


Thompsontown, 


6 


35 


Hanover, 


10 


102 


Mexico, 


5 


4C 


Petersburg, 


7 


109 


Mifflin, 


3 


43 


Tawneytown, Md. 


9 


118 


Lewistown, 


12 


55 


JBruceville; 


5 


123 


Waynesburg, 


11 


6t 


Middieburg, 


2 


125 


Huntingdon, 


22 


8? 


Woodsborough, 


9 


134 


Alexandria, 


8 


9C 


Walkersville, 


5 


139 


Yellow Springs, 


6 


105 


Frederick, 


6 


145 


Frankstown, 


9 


111 


Trap, 


7 


152 


Hollidayburg, 


3 


114 


Petersville, 


4 


156 


Blair's Gap, 


4 


lie 


Knoxville, 


4 


160 


Munster, 


10 


12* 


Harpers Ferry, Va. 


6 


166 


Ebensburg, 


5 


13; 


Charleston, 


7 


173 


Armagh, 


18 


151 


Winchester, 


22 


195 


Blairsville, 
New Alexandria, 


14 

8 


16f 

17: 








Salem Cross Road, 


8 


181 


12. From Harris- 






Murrysville, 
Pittsburg, 


7 


181 


burg to Dun- 






20 


20S 


dap. 






. 






From Harrisb. to 






_____ 






Dauphin, 


9 










Peters Mountain, 


6 


15 


14. From Harris- 






New Buffalo, 


5 


20 


burg to Balti- 
more. 






Montgomery's Ferry. 


6 


26 






Liverpool, 


5 


31 


From Harrisb. to 






M'Kee's Haly Falls, 


9 


40 


Highspire, 


6 




Selins Grove, 


12 


52 


Middletown, 


3 


< 


Sunbury, 


2 


53 


Falmouth, 


4 


1 


Northumberland, 


2 


56 


York Haven, 


1 


1 


Danville, 


12 


68 


York, 


10 


2 


Bloomsburg, 


9 


77 


Logansville, 


7 


3 


| Berwick, 

Nanticoke, 
1 Wilkesbarre, 


12 

17 

9 


89 
106 
115 


Strasburg, 
Weisesburg, Pa. 
Hereford, 


7 

10 

3 


3 
4 
5 


I Pottstown, 


10 


125 


Baltimore, 


21 


7 


[ Greenville, 


17 


142 








1 Dundaff, 


10 


152 











13. From Harris- 
burg to Pitts- 






: 

15. From Pitts- 
burg to Steuben- 
" mile. 

From Pittsb. tc 






burg, via Hun- 
tingdon. 














Raccoon Creek, 


23 




From Harrisb. tc 

Juniata Falls, 


U 




li Briceland's X Roads 
M Steubenville, 
tj 
15 


4 
10 


2 

3 













170 



GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 





Mis 


. Mis. 




Mis 


Mis 


16. From Pitts 






Nescopeck, 


S 


6 


burg to Erie. 






Berwick, 


1 


68 


From Pittsb. to 






New Columbia, 


1C 




Bakerstown, 


16 




Thinersville 


24 


102 


Woodville, 


6 


22 


Towanda, 


24 


126 


Butler, 


6 


30 


Burlington, 


£ 


134 


Centreville, 


15 


45 


Ridgebury, 


12 


146 


Mercer, 


16 


81 


Elmyra, 


12 


158 


Meadville, 


30 


91 








Waterford, 


23 


114 


_____ 






Erie, 


15 


129 


20. From Eas- 






' 






ton to Pleasant 
Mourit. 






17. From Pitts- 






From Easton to 






burg to Wheel- 






Wind Gap, 


13 




ing. 






Stanhope, 


20 


33 


From Pittsb. to 






Sterling, 


25 


48 


Hariotsville, 


10 




Clarkstown, 


10 


68 


Canonsburg, 


8 


18 . 


Pleasant Mount, 


12 




Washington, 


7 


25 








Wheeling, 


36 


61 


21. From Easton 






38. From Pitts- 






to Harrisburg. 
From Easton to 






burg to Beaver. 






Butztown, 


_ 




From Pittsb. to 






Bethlehem, 


5 
6 

8 
9 




Sewiekly Bottom, 


14 




Allentown, 


18 
28 
3," 


Economy, 


4 


18 


Trextertown, 


Beater, 


10 


28 


Kutztown, 








Reading, 


18 


53 









Womelsdorf, 


14 


67 








Myerstown, 


7 




19. From East on 






Lebanon, 


6 




to Almyra, N. 






Palmyra, 


10 


90 


York. 






Hummelstown, 


6 


96 


From Easton to 






Harrisburg, 


9 


165 


Bath, 


10 










Kernsville, 


5 


15 









Cherryville, 


4 


19 








Lehigh Gap, 


4 


23 


22. From Easton 






Lehigton, 
Mauch Chunk, 


8 
5 


31 
36 


to Milford. 
From Easton to 






Lausanne, 


1 


37 


Richmond, 


14 

4 




Conyngham, 


21 


58 

I 


Mount Bethel, 

i 


**- 






OF PENNSYLVANIA. 



171 



Dutottsburg, 

Stroudsburg, 

Coolbaugh's, 

Bushkiln, 

Dingman's Ferry, 

Milfyfd, 



23. From Lewis- 
tovm to Erie. 

From Eewist. to 

Bellefonle, 

3Iillersburg, 

Philipsburg, 

Kylersville, 

Clearfield, 

Curwinsville, 

Brookville, 

Clarion, 

Strattersvilie, 

Shippensville, 

Franklin, 

Meadville, 

Erie, 



24. From Ebens- 
burg to Butler. 

From Ebensb. to 
Indiana, 
Kittaning, 
Butler, 



25. FromHarriS' 

burg to Win- 
chester, Va. 

FromHarrisb.to 

Hogestown, 



Mis. 

25 
39 

36 
42 
55 
63 



32 

56 

64 

72 

77 

112 

121 

127 

136 

159 

183 

221 



52 
72 





Mis 


Mis. 


Carlisle, 


9 


16 


Stoughstown, 


13 


31 


Shippensburg, 


S 


33 


Green Village, 


6 


45 


Chambersburg, 


5 


5G 


Greencastle, 


11 


61 


Hagerstown, Md. 


11 


72 


Funkstown, 


3 


75 


Boonsborough, 


8 


83 


Sharpsburg, 


7 


90 


Shepherdstown, Va. 


4 


94 


Martinsburg, 


9 


103 


Darkesville, 


7 


irJ 


Winchester, 


15 


125 


26. From Reading 






to Lancaster. 






From Reading to 






Adamstown, 


10 




Reamstovvn, 


5 


15 


Ephrata, 


4 


19 


Litiz, 


8 


27 


Neffsville, 


4 


31 


Lancaster, 


4 


35 


27. From Potts- 






ville toBellefonte 






via Williams- 






port. 






From Pottsv. to 






Danville, 


32 




Washingtonville, 


8 


40 


Derry, 


5 


45 


Pennsborough, 


14 


59 


Williamsport, 


14 


73 


Jersey Shore, 


n 


84 


Dunnstown, 


10 


94 


Bellefonte, 


24 


118 






172 



GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 



28. From North- 
er land to 
Lewistown. 
From Northum- 
berland to 
New Berlin, 
Middlebury, 
Beavertown, 
Lewistown, 



29. From Bedford 

to Washington. 

% From Bedford to 

Somerset, 
Mount Pleasant, 
Robstown, 
Williatnsport, 
Washington, 



Mis. 


Mis. 


11 




5 


16 


6 


22 


28 


50 


37 




25 


62 


14 


72 


10 


86 


20 


106 


• 







Mis. 


Mis 


30. From Harris- 






burg toHagers- 






town, Md. 






From Harrisb. to 






Carlisle, 


18 




Manallen, 


18 


36 


Gettysburg, 


9 


45 


Fairfield, 


8 


53 


Waynesboro,' 


13 


66 


Leitersburg, Md. 


6 


73 


Hagerstawn, 


6 


78 






OHIO 



Q. How is Ohio bounded ? 

A. It is bounded on the north by lake Erie and the 

State of Michigan ; on the east by Pennsylvania ; on the 

south and southeast by the Ohio river ; and on the west 

by Indiana. This state bounds on the Ohio river, from 

the mouth of Little Beaver to that of the Great Miami, 

445 miles ; due north in common with Indiana, 170 miles ; 

:lue east along Michigan to lake Erie, 80 miles ; thence 

along the southern shore of Erie, 150 miles; thence south 

mmon with Pennsylvania, to the mouth of Little 

Beaver, 93 miles ; having an entire outline of 933 miles. 

Q. -What is the area of Ohio r 

A. The superficial contents of Ohio have been general- 
ly underrated ; measured carefully on Bradford's map, 
and exactly calculating the rhombs, the area comes out 
within a small fraction of 44,000 square miles. 
Q. How many acres does Ohio contain ? 
A. According to the most accurate calculations it con- 
tains about 25 million acres of land. 

Q. What is the latitude and longitude of this state P 
A. It extends from 38 deg. 30 min. to 42 deg. north lat- 
itude, and from 80 deg. 35 min. to 84 deg. 47 min. W. Ion. 
from Greenwich. 

Q. Are there arc any mountains in Ohio ? 
A. This state is altogether free from mountains. Some 
15* 



174 GEORAPGHICAL CATECHISM 

parts bordering on the Ohio river are hilly, but not moim 
tainous. Some hills lie on either side of the Ohio river of 
a singular conformation, generally known by the name of 
the Ohio Hills. 

i Q. Which are the principal Rivers of Ohio ? 

A. The Ohio, the Muskingum, the Sciota, the Big Mi- 
ami, the Little Miami, the Maumee, the Sandusky, Cuya- 
hoga, and Grand River. 

Q. Can you describe the Ohio river ? 

A. The Ohio, (or River of Blood, or according to some 
the Limpid River,) is formed by the junction of the Alle- 
ghany and Monongahela at Pittsburg. 

If the Mississippi has more grandeur, the Ohio has 
clearly more beauty. If the Mississippi rolls its angry 
and sweeping waters with more majesty, the Ohio far ex- 
ceeds it in its calm unbroken course, which seldom en- 
dangers the boats on its bosom, except there be misman- 
agement or storms. No river in the world rolls for the 
same distance such an uniform, smooth, and peaceful cur- 
rent. Whoever has descended this noble river in the 
spring, when its banks are full, and the beautiful red 
bud, and Cornus Florida deck the declivities of the bluffs, 
(which sometimes rise 300 feet in height, impend over the 
river, and cast their grand shadows into the transparent 
waters, and are seen at intervals in its luxuriant bottoms 
while the towering sycamore throws its venerable and 
majestic arms, decked with rich foliage, over the other 
trees, — but will readily acknowledge the appropriateness 
of the French name, "La Belle Riviere." 

Its bottoms are of extraordinary depth and fertility 
generally high and dry, and for the most part healthy. — 
For 30 miles below Pittsburg, its course is N. W. It then 
turns W. S. W., and pursues that general direction 500 
miles. Thence S. W. 170 miles. Thence westward 280 



OF OHIO. 175 

miles. Thence S. West through that low and swampy 
country till it nds the Mississippi, 170 miles. 

Between Pittsburg and its mouth, it is diversified by 
100 considerable islands, besides a great number of tow 
heads and sand bars, which in low stages of the water 
greatly impede the navigation. Some of these islands are 
of exquisite beauty, and afford most lovely situations for 
retired farms. The passages between them and the sand 
bars at their head, are among the difficulties of the navi- 
gation of this river. 

It is bounded in its whole course by bluffs, sometimes 
towering sublimely from the shores of the river. At Pitts- 
burg the Ohio is 600 yards wide, and at Cincinnati, which 
may be considered its mean width, it is not much more. 
Its valley is deep and heavily timbered, and has no where 
the slightest indication of prairie. Different estimates have 
been made of the rapidity of its current. This rapidity 
being continually varying, it would be difficult to assign 
any very exact estimate. It is found, according to the 
different stages of the water, to vary between one and 
three miles. In the lowest stages of the water in the au- 
tumn, a floating substance would, probably, not advance 
a mile an hour. It is subject to extreme elevations and 
depressions. The average range between high and low 
water is probably 50 feet. Its lowest stage is in Septem- 
ber ; and its highest in March. It has been known to rise 
12 feet in a night. The Ohio and all its tributaries cannot 
have less than 5000 miles of boatable waters, and taking 
all circumstances into consideration, few rivers in the 
world can vie with it. either in utility or beauty. 
Describe the Muskingum river. 

Muskingum is one of the great branches of the Ohio 
river, from the right or N. W. side. It is formed by two 
branches, Tuscarawas from the northeastward, and White 






176 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 



Woman's river to the northwestward. White Woman's 
river rises near the centre of the state of Ohio, interlock- 
ing sources with those of Scioto, Huron of Erie, Vermil- 
lion, and Black rivers. Composed of two branches, Mo- 
hiccon and Killbuck creeks, White Woman's river drains 
Wayne, Holmes, Richland, Knox, and part of Coshocton 
counties; general course S. R, joining Tuscarawas in 
Coshocton county, between the villages of Coshocton and 
Caldersburg,. after a general comparative course of 60 
miles. Tuscarawas has interlocking sources with those 
of Cuyahoga and Big Beaver. In the higher part of its 
course for 50 miles, it pursues a southern course, out of 
Medina and Portage counties over' Starke into Tuscara- 
was county. Inflecting abruptly to the west, and enter- 
ing Coshocton, it unites with White Woman's river, as 
already noticed, after a general comparative course of 60 
miles. It is at the junction of Tuscarawas and White 
Woman's rivers that the united waters take the name of 
Muskingum, which flowing S. 10 miles, receives a large 
eastern branch, Will's creek, and bending to about S. S. 
W. 15 miles, receives Licking creek, and falls over a ledge 
of rocks at Zanesville. Below Zanesville, with partial 
bends, the general course is S. E. 50 miles comparative 
distance to its influx into the Ohio river at Marietta. The 
Tuscarawas branch drains all Tuscarawas and Stark, 
with parts of Harrison, Columbiana, Portage, Medina, 
Wayne, Holmes, and Coshocton counties. Will's creek 
drains, and its valley is nearly commensurate with, Gu- 
ernsey county. The Muskingum river, properly so called^ 
winds over the southern side of Coshocton, and over Mus- 
kingum, Morgan -and Washington counties. The entire 
Muskingum valley approaches remarkably near a circle, 
of 100 miles diameter ; but with allowance for the salient 
parts, the area is about 8000 square miles. The Ohio and 
Erie canal enter this valley in Licking county, and is car- 



OF OHIO. 177 

ried N. E. to Coshocton, and thence along the main chan- 
nel of Tuscarawas to the Portage Summit. The level of 
the canal on the Portage Summit is 973 feet above the 
ocean tides, while that of the Ohio at Marietta, but little, 
if any, exceeds six hundred feet of similar relative height. 
The arable soil around the sources of the higher fountains 
of White Woman's and Tuscarawas rivers, must exceed 
one thousand feet above the ocean, or the difference of 
level of the valley amounts to at least an equivalent to a 
degree of latitude. The actual extremes of lat. are 39 de- 
grees 20 min. and 41 degrees 10 min. The soil of the 
Muskingum valley is of unsurpassed fertility. The surface 
presenting the usual features of the rivers of Ohio ; that 
is, level at the sources, and becoming more and more 
hilly approaching the main recipient, the Ohio river. 

Describe the Scioto river. 

Scioto river has its remote sources in Richland, Marion, 
Crawford, and Hardin counties. It is composed of two 
branches, Whetstone on the E., and Scioto proper on the 
W. Both branches issuing from Marion county, assume 
a nearly parallel course to S. S. E., traversing Delaware, 
arid uniting in Franklin county, between the towns of Co- 
lumbus and Franklin, after each branch having flowed by 
comparative courses, 70 miles. Below Columbus the gen- 
eral course is almost exactly S., and comparative length 
100 miles to its influx into Ohio river, between the villages 
Alexandria and Portsmouth. The Sciota valley, lying be- 
tween latitude 38 degrees 42 min. and 40 degrees 50 min.' 
and cut into two very nearly equal sections by longitude 
6 degrees W. from Washington city, and is about 150 
miles long, and 60 miles wide, area 9000 square miles. Be- 
low Columbus, the main stream traverses the counties of 
Franklin, Pickaway, Ross, Pike, and Scioto. Though 
without any direct falls, the Scioto is a very rapid stream, 



178 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM. 

The Scioto valley lies between those of Big Miami and 
Muskingum, and has that of Sandusky N., and Maumee 
N. West. 

Describe the Big Miami river. 

Big Miami has its extreme sources in Shelby and Dark 
counties, and flowing thence S. S. E. fifty nyles over 
Miami and Montgomery, receives in Indiana Mad river 
from N. E. Mad river rising in Logan, traverses Cham- 
paign and Clark, unites with Great Miami as already no- 
ticed. The two streams unite at Dayton, and assuming 
a course ot S. S. W. flows in that direction by compara- 
tive courses 100 miles to its junction with Ohio river, hav- 
ing received, a few miles above its mouth, White Water 
river from Indiana. The boundary line between Ohio and 
Indiana strikes the Ohio river at the mouth of Great Mi- 
ami. 

The valley of the Great Miami is in length 120 miles 
from S. W. to N. E. with a mean breadth of 50 miles, or 
comprises an area of 6000 square miles. This river has 
become of increasing consequence since the completion 
of a navigable canal extending from Dayton to Cincin- 
nati, opening a water means of transport from the inte- 
rior table land of Ohio, to Ohio river, reaching the latter 
at the most considerable city in the state, or indeed of all 
the western states, except New Orleans. 

Describe the Little Miami. 

Little Miami has its extreme sources in Clarke coun- 
ty, interlocking with those of Mad river, and with those 
of Deer and Paint creeks, branches of Sciota, and flowing 
thence by comparative courses 120 miles to the S. S. E. 
to its entrance into Ohio river about ten miles, by water, 
above Cincinnati. The course of the Little Miami is very 
nearly parallel to that of the Great Miami, the former de- 
riving its principal tributaries from the eastward, and 
draining great part of Greene, Clinton, Warren, Cler- 



OF OHIO* 17g 

mont, with parts of Brown, Clarke, and Hamilton coun- 
ties. Rising on a comparatively elevated tract, the fall is 
rapid, rendering this river one of the best in Ohio for 
mills- 
Describe the 3Iaumee river. 

Maumee river is the greatest western confluent of lake 
Erie. This very remarkable river is composed of two 
constituent branches, the St. Mary's and St. Joseph's. — 
St. Mary's rises in Allen, Mercer, and Shelby counties, 
Ohio, interlocking sources with those of Wabash, Great 
Miami, and Au Glaize rivers ; flowing thence 60 miles to 
the N. W. into Allen county, Indiana, it unites with the 
St. Joseph's river. The latter rising in Hillsdale county, 
Michigan, and assuming a southwest course traverses the 
northwestern angle of Williams county, Ohio, enters Allen 
county, Indiana, and unites with the St. Mary's as already 
noticed. To view those two rivers on a map, their natu- 
ral course would appear to be down the Wabash, but 
curving on themselves, the united waters now known as 
the Maumee, assume a N. E. course ; flows in that direc- 
tion 45 miles, to where it receives almost at the same 
point, Au Glaize river from the south, and Bean or Tiffen's 
river from the north. Continuing N. E. 60 miles farther, 
Maumee is lost on the extreme western angle of lake 
Erie. This stream, like all others which issue from Ohio 
into lake Erie, is obstructed by rapids a few miles above 
its mouth ; otherwise it is navigable at high water, into 
both its main branches. The Au Glaize, which falls into 
laumee at Defiance, is the most considerable branch, 
not falling much under the St. Mary's and St. Joseph'? 
united. The valley of Maumee, occupying the whole 
northwestern angle of the state of Ohio, is in length irom 
S W. to N. E. 100 miles, with a mean breadth of at least 
50, area 5,000 square miles, comprising small fractions in 
Michigan and Indiana. This river and its branches 






180 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

% 
Ohio the counties of Mercer, Allen, Vanwert, Putnam. 

Hancock, Wood, Henry, Williams, and Paulding. In lat- 
itude the valley stretches from 40 degrees 30 minutes to 
42 degrees. 

Describe Sandusky river. 

Sandusky river has its remote sources in Marion, 
Crawford, and Richland counties, interlocking sources on 
the W. with those of Blanchard's fork of Au Glaize river, 
on the S. with those of Scioto ; and on the E. with those 
of White Woman's river, or the N. Wrn. sources of Musk- 
ingum. Issuing from this table land the Sandusky as- 
sumes a Nrn. course, and after traversing Crawford and 
Seneca counties, enters Sandusky county, where inflecting 
to the E. it opens into an oblong sheet of water from one 
to three miles wide, and about 20 in length. This small 
gulf is called Sandusky Bay, but closed by two projecting 
points. On the eastern extreme, the water is confined to 
a narrow channel, admitting vessels of six or seven feet 
draught. 
| Describe Cuyahoga river. 

This stream, though comparatively small, is very re- 
markable in itself, and has gained great importance from 
having become in part the route of the Ohio and Erie 
canal. The extreme source of the Cuyahoga is near the 
Em. border of Geauga county, interlocking sources with 
those of Grand river, and within 20 miles from lake Erie, 
at the mouth of the latter. Flowing thence S. S. W. nearly 
parallel, though rather inclining from the opposite shore 
of lake Erie, by comparative courses, 45 miles, traversing 
Geauge and Portage counties to near the E. border of 
Medina. Inflecting at more than a right angle upon its 
former course, the Cuyahoga bending to a little W. of N., 
is intersected by the Ohio Canal near Northampton in 
Portage county, over the latter and Cuyahoga county, to 
its influx into lake Erie at Cleaveland, after an entire com- 



OF OHIO. 181 

•parative course of 85 miles. The higher part of the course 
of Cuyahoga river is on a real table land. The summit 
level of the Ohio and Erie canal, between the valleys of 
Tuscarawas and Cuyahoga is 973 feet above tide water 
in the Atlantic, and 408 feet above lake Erie. The eleva- 
tion of the canal in the aquaduct eighteen miles above 
the mouth of Cuyahoga, is 704 feet above the ocean tides, 
and 139 above lake Erie. 

Describe Grand river. 

This stream has its extreme source in Trumbull county, 
about 5 or 6 miles N. W. of Warren, and flowing thence 
nearly due N. 30 miles, to Ashtabula county, and within 
10 miles of lake Erie, bends at right angles to the W., 
and continues that course 30 miles to the lake, which it 
enters in Geauga county, between the villages of Fairport 
and Newmarket, leaving a peninsula of 22 miles in length, 
and from 10 to 2 miles wide, between the lower course of 
the river and the lake. 

<i. Are there are any Rivers or Streams other than those 
already described ? 

A. Chagrin, Ashtabula, and Coneaught, are considerable 
streams that rise near the lake and fall into it. There 
are more than one hundred streams not here enumerated, 
which for seven months in the year, carry a considerable 
mass of water. A remark applicable to the whole west- 
ern country applies to this State, that a great number of 
considerable streams during the winter months disappear 
before the evaporating ardor of the summer's sun. 

Q. Are there any good harbors in this state ? 

A. Put-in-Bay, fine harbor of Huron county Ohio. This 
haven, the most deep and safe in lake Erie, except De- 
troit, and Niagara rivers, is formed by a curve of the 
southern Bass Island. The concavity constituting the ba- 
sin is on the northern side of the island, and directly oppo- 
site at about a half a mile distance stretches from E. to W- 

16 









182 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

the middle Bass; and again, as if nature intended to give 
complete security to this haven, an islet rises at each open- 
ing, affording four passes to and from the bay. Vessels 
of 12 feet draught can be safely navigated and find good 
anchorage in Put-in-Bay. Ship channel about 20 miles 
N. N. W. from the mouth of Sandusky Bay ; and 30 S. 
E. from the mouth of Detroit river. 

The other principal harbors on Lake Erie are Sandus- 
ky, Maumee Bay, Fair Port, and Ashtabula Creek. 
Q. Can you decsribe the soil and surface of Ohio ? 
A. As a general character, the soil of Ohio is eminently 
productive, and the productive part probably nine tenths 
of the whole, very equally distributed over the state. 
There is, probably in the whole a body of land, of the 
same extent of which a greater part is susceptible of im- 
provement and cultivation. It may be considered a sur- 
face of Table land, sloping in one direction towards the 
Ohio, and in the other towards lake Erie. The northern 
belt has great tracts of wet and marshy soil. They are 
however excellent, and in positions that render them easy 
to be drained. They are covered with forests, and when 
cleared and drained, will not make the least valuable parts 
of the state. There are extensive bodies of land heavily 
timbered in a state of nature which are as level as prai- 
ries. The most fertile part of the state is between the two 
Miamies. 

On the upper courses of the Miamies, Muskingum and 
Scioto, are rich and extensive prairies, divided into wet 
and dry prairies, of which the latter are at present only 
susceptible of cultivation. The forest trees are the same 
as in Kentucky and Indiana, except that the peccan tree, 
which is common on the waters of the Wabash, is not of- 
ten found here. Grape vines of prodigious size climb 
the trees, and spread their umbrageous leaves over all 
the other verdure. Black walnut, black cherry, honey 



OF OHIO. 183 

locust, buck eye, pawpaw, sugar tree, mulberry, elm, ash, 
hawthorn, coffee tree, and the grand yellow poplar, trees 
which indicate the richest soil, are every where abund- 
ant. Also hickory, maple of various kinds, birch, chest- 
nut, elm, hackberry, sycamore and linden are very nu- 
merous. 

The forests are deep, but in the richest soils, the trees are 
rather distinguishable for their straightness, than their 
size. A sonsiderable part of the eastern and southern 
divisions is hilly ; in some places rising into fine cultiva- 
ble swells ; and in other places into hills too broken and 
precipitous to admit of cultivation. The most marshy 
parts are found on the table lands the highest in the state. 
But as before stated, nine tenths of the surface are suscep- 
tible of cultivation, and are already, or are rapidly be- 
coming a thickly settled country of moderate sized free- 
holds. 

One remark may convey a general idea of the forest. 
It is composed almost entirely of deciduous trees, with 
few evergreens, or terebinthine trees, if we except some 
few cypresses. On its whole wide surface is scarcely 
any land so hilly, sterile, or marshy, as, with moderate 
labor, may not be subdued, drained, and cultivated, 

The whole region seems to have invited a numerous 
and hardy body of freeholders, to select for themselves, 
moderate and nearly equal sized farms, and to intersperse 
them over its surface. In respect to the smallness of the 
farms, the number, equality, and compactness of the pop- 
ulation, not confined, as farther west to the water cour- 
ses, but diffused over the whole state, it compares very 
accurately with New England. 

To an eye that could contemplate the whole region, 
from an elevated point, it would even yet exhibit, a great 
proportion of unbroken forest, only here and there che- 
/luered with farms. Yet in the country towns, and better 



184 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

settled districts, any spectacle that collects the multitude, 
a training, an ordination, an election, or the commence- 
ment of any great public work, causes a rush from the- 
woods and forests, which, like the tenanted trees of the 
poets in olden time seem to have given birth for the occa- 
sion to crowds of men, women, and children, pouring to- 
wards the point of attraction. There are vast tracts of 
country that are actually alluvial, and in fact the greater 
part has an alluvial aspect, as though it had not long em- 
erged from the waters. 

It has been asserted and commonly believed, that 
springs dry up and fail, as a new country becomes settled. 
This assertion, however, many of the oldest and most in- 
telligent settlers, resolutely deny and affirm the direct 
contrary ; declaring that the streams in general are more 
flush in the cleared and settled country, than they were 
when it was an unbroken forest. In proof, they point out 
many streams, which then became dry in summer, and 
now yield sufficient water to turn mills through the sea- 
son. This is one of the disputable points, which is apt to 
be settled differently, according to the experience and 
opinions of its party. 

It certainly involves one of the most interesting ques- 
tions in relation to the influence of cultivation upon cli- 
mate, a question which ought to have been more elucida- 
ted, by the settling of the western country, than any oth- 
er ; but which has hitherto been discussed in a desultory 
and unsatisfactory manner. Forests are supposed to con- 
dense vapors and attract clouds. Clearing them away 
gives more free scope to-the winds, and tends to equalize 
atmospheric action. Cultivation renders the surface of 
the soil more compact, and retentive of moisture, and we 
incline to the opinion, that the western streams are fuller 
and more lasting, since the cutting down of the forests, 
and that the Ohio and Mississippi carry more water than 



OF OHIO. 185 

formerly. But the experience of almost every old settler 
warrants the fact, that innumerable springs have failed 
since the cutting down of the forests, that shaded the hills 
whence they sprang. This partial result, may rowever, 
be more than counterbalanced by a general change in at- 
mospheric action, consequent upon opening vast surfaces 
of the forest, to the influence of the sun and air. 

Unimproved land has within a few years risen in value 
almost beyond credibility. 

Q. What are the geological features of Ohio ? 

A. The hilly portions along the Ohio, contains many 
primitive rocks, as granite, gneis, and mica slate ; these 
are generally in loose masses, water worn, and rounded, 
and abound most in valleys, which appear to have been 
the beds of rivers. Secondary rocks, as limestone and 
sandstone from the basis of the soil, 

Q». What are the minerals of Ohio ? 

A. In the eastern and north- eastern divisions of this 
state, on the Muskingum, Hockhocking and Scioto, min- 
eral coal abounds, and it has an extensive and rich coal 
region. It is in the greatest abundance, and of the best 
quality. It so happens that in the same region are found 
the greatest bodies of iron ore. 

Nature seems to have furnished the industrious people 
of this state, with every possible facility, for important 
and staple manufactures. Limestone, marble, and free- 
stone, in strata, easy to quarry, near the surface, and ad- 
mirably adapted so building and public works, abound: 
The useful earths, and fossils are in the richest abundance^ 
Specimens of gypsum are procured from Sandusky bay. 

Q. Have the mines of Ohio been extensirely wrought, 
and are the products of a good quality ? 

A. Of mines which have yet been worked, Ohio has not 
much to boast. The free born citizens have found a much 

16* 



186 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

more certain source of wealth, in the abundant produc- 
tions of the fertile soil. Coal is however obtained in large 
quantities, and of a good quality. Iron ore is likewise 
discovered, and wrought extensively in several places ; 
particularly at the falls of Licking river, four miles wes- 
terly from Zanesville, on Brush Creek in Adams county 
and various other places. 

Q. Are there any Mineral or Medical Springs in this 
State ? 

A. Salt springs are common. In some, the water con- 
tains almost as much salt as that of the sea. The most 
important manufactories of this article, are in Muskin- 
gum, Morgan, Jackson, and Gallia counties. Nearly half 
a million bushels are manufactured in this State. Those 
springs, whose waters are drunk as medicinal, are most 
of them more or less impregnated with muriate of soda. 

The Yellow Springs, the most accustomed watering 
place, after ITarrodsburg Springs, in the western country, 
are situated near the Falls of the Miami, 63 miles from 
Cincinnati, and 18 from Dayton, intermediate between 
the pretty towns of Xenia and Springfield, and on the 
height of the table land of the state. The elevated posL 
tion, the grand and romantic scenery, and the cool and 
salubrious air, contribute, probably, as much to the resto- 
ration of invalids, as the waters, which are, however, 
strongly charged with iron in solution. The hotel dis- 
plays a front with a colonade of 200 feet, with a number 
of beautiful cottages, parallel with the main building. — 
The clearing is cut out of the solid mass of forest; leaving 
trees and openings as beauty of scenery and shade re- 
quire. 

From this elevation, and these superb erections of art, 
the eye sweeps the ancient forests, over Indiana, towards 
the Ohio and the lakes, arrested only by the horizon. 

The Falls of the Little Miami, Pompey's Pillar, the Blue 



OF OHIO. 187 

Hole, and many other romantic spectacles in this region 
of grand and mountain scenery, impart to this watering 
place all the charms that the lovers of nature would re- 
quire; and heighten the contrast of the luxury of the ac- 
commodations provided for visitants. Lovers of the pic- 
turesque affirm, that neither the Bedford Springs of Penn- 
sylvania, nor the watering places of the mountains of 
Virginia, surpass this place in grandeur, or equal it in 
amenity of prospect. 

Q. What are the Forest Trees and Natural Productions? 

A. The forest of this state is generally deep and heavy. 
The prevalent kinds of trees are the different species of 
oak, white, red, black, burr, and overcup ; three or four 
species of ash, white blue, and black ; yellow and white 
poplar; all the different species of elm, hackberry, buck- 
eye, linn, and coffee tree. White maple is common, and 
sugar maple of great beauty, almost universal. Beach, 
however, is the most common timber. The undergrowth 
is spice bush, dog wood, iron wood, horn beam, black 
haw, pawpaw, different species of thorn, and wild plum. 

The yellow poplar is a most splendid tree. It rears into 
the air a shaft of prodigious height and size. It flowers 
with gaudy bell shaped cups, and the leaves are of beau- 
tiful forms. It is a very useful timber for plank and rails, 
and all the purposes of building ; and splits with great 
ease. 

Dogwood, has a beautiful heart-shaped and crimped 
leaf, and an umbrella-shaped top. It covers itself in spring 
with a profusion of brilliant white flowers, and in autumn 
with berries of a fine scarlet. 

The pawpaw is, in our riew, the prince of wild fruit, 
bearing shrubs. The leaves are long, of a rich appear- 
ance, and green ; considerably resembling the smaller 
leaves of tobacco. The stem is straight, white, and of 



138 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

unrivalled beauty. In fact, we have seen no cultivated 
shrub so ornamental and graceful as the paw-paw. The 
fruit closely resembles the cucumber, having a more 
smooth and regular appearance. When ripe, it is of a 
rich yellow. There are generally from two to five in a 
cluster. A pawpaw shrub, hanging full of fruit, of a 
size and weight so disproportioned to the stem, and from 
under long and rich looking leaves of the same yellow 
with the ripened fruit, of an African luxuriance of growth, 
is to us one of the richest spectacles that we have ever 
contemplated, in the array of the woods. The fruit con- 
tains from two to six seeds, like those of the tamarind 
except that they are double the size. The pulp of the 
fruit resembles egg custard, in consistence and appear- 
ance. It has the same creamy feeling in the mouth, and 
unites the taste of eggs, cream, sugar, and spice. It is a 
natural custard, too luscious for the relish of most peo- 
ple. The fruit is nutritious, and a great resource of the 
savages. 

Q. What is the climate of this State ? 

A. Climate here remarkably corresponds to latitude. — 
elements that operate upon the result are elevations and 
proximity to waters, or distance from them. The climate* 
for instance, along the immediate valley of the Ohio, is 
more equable and temperate then in the middle and table 
lands of the state ; and the difference greater than can 
be attributed merely to difference of latitude. The cen- 
tral parts of the state are in the same latitude with Phil- 
adelphia. The mean temperature of the year at Philadel- 
phia was found to be fifty-three degrees. In the same 
time the mean temperature of Ohio was fifty-five de- 
grees. As we recede from the Ohio, the temperature 
diminishes in a greater ratio than that of the latitude. — 
The prevalent and warm winds are those that blow from 






OF OHIO 189 

the gulf, and up the valley of the Mississippi. The cold 
breezes are charged with the cold of Canada, and the 
Lakes. 

In that part of the state that slopes to the south, the 
siow neither falls deep nor lies long. But in Connecti- 
cut Reserve, and in the points that slope towards the lakes 
they have deep and durable snows ; and sleighing and 
sledding are practicable a considerable length of time. It 
is a great inconvenience in this climate, that during the 
winter months the transition from warm to cold, and the 
reverse, are frequent and violent. Thaws and frosts are 
the result, and the soil being deep and clayey, the tra- 
velling is muddy and uncomfortable. The winters are 
sometimes considerably severe, and the Ohio has been 
crossed at Cincinnati on ice for nine weeks. Oftentimes 
they are mild, and can scarcely be said to be more than a 
prolongation of autumn, and early opening of spring. 
Winter seldom commences in severity until Christmas, 
and its severity is generally mitigated early in February. 
Vegetation, which is the most certain and accurate ther- 
mometer, indicates a temperature of greater mildness in 
the season, than in the corresponding latitude on the At- 
lantic. 

The heat of the summer in the Ohio valley is uniformly 
oppressive, but does not commence early, nor continue 
late in the season. The heat of summer abates as early 
in the autumn as in the more northern latitudes in the 
Atlantic country. The autumns are almost universally 
temperate, dry, and beautiful; and nothing can exceed 
them for health and pleasantness. No where in the world 
is the grand autumnal painting of the forests in the decay 
of vegetation, seen in more beauty than in the beech fo- 
rests of Ohio. The richness of the fading colours, and 
the effect of the mingling hues, baffle all description. A 
great farming community, like that of Ohio, could scarcely 



i 



190 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

desire a better climate for themselves, their cattle, and 
stock of all kinds; as one in which a man can work 
abroad with comfort a greater number of days in the 
year. 

Q. Can you give a description of the Government of this 
state ? 

A. The Constitution of Ohio was adopted in convention 
at Chillicothe, November 29, 1802; the most important 
provisions of which are : That the legislative authority of 
the state shall be vested in a General Assembly, which 
shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives,, 
both to be elected by the people. That Representatives 
shall be chosen annually. That no person shall be a Rep- 
resentative, who shall not have attained the age of 25 
years, and be a citizen of the U. S., and an inhabitant o* 
this state ; shall also have resided within the limits of the 
county in which he shall be chosen, one year next pre- 
ceding his election, unless absent on public business. — 
That Senators shall be chosen biennially. That no person 
shall be a Senator who has not arrived at the age of 30 
years, and who is not a citizen of the U. S. ; shall have 
resided 2 years in the county or district, immediately 
preceding his election, unless absent on public business. 
That no Senator or Representative shall, during the time 
for which he shall have been elected, be*appointed to any 
civil office under this state, which shall have been cre- 
ated, or the emoluments of which shall have been in- 
creased, during such time. That no money shall be 
drawn from the treasury, but in consequence of appro- 
priations made by law. That the supreme executive 
power of this state shall be vested in a Governor. That 
the Governor shall be elected by the qualified electors for 
the members of the General Assembly, and at the same 
time and place ; holds his office for two years, or until 
another Governor shall be elected and qualified. Eligible 



^— 



OF OHIO. 191 

only six years in any term of eight years. He shall be at 
least 30 years of age, and have been a citizen of the U. S. 
12 years, and an inhabitant of this state 4 years next pre- 
ceding his election. That no member of Congress, or per- 
son holding any office under the U. S. or this state, shall 
execute the office of Governor. The powers of the Go- 
vernor of Ohio are nearly the same as generally vested 
in Governors of states. He can grant pardons, and re- 
prieves after conviction, except in cases of impeachment. 
That the judicial power of this state, both as to matters 
of law and equity, shall be vested in a Supreme Court, in 
courts of Common Pleas for each county; in justices of 
the peace, and in such other courts as the Legislature 
may, from time to time, establish. That judges of the 
Supreme Court shall, by virtue of their offices, be conser- 
vators of the peace throughout the state. The presidents 
of the court of Common Pleas, shall, by virtue of their 
offices, be conservators of the peace in their respective 
circuits, and the judges of the Court of Common Pleas 
shall, by virtue of their offices, be conservators of the 
peace in their respective counties. The judges of the 
Supreme Court, the presidents, and the associate judges 
of the courts of Common Pleas, shall be appointed by a 
joint ballot of both houses of the General Assembly, and 
shall hold their offices for the term of 7 years, if so long 
they behave well. (This mode of choosing judges of law 
and equity septennially, is a rather novel, or at least wide 
deviation from the usual manner of election or term of 
service.) That in all elections, all white male inhabitants, 
above the age of 21 years, having resided in the state one 
year next preceding the election, and who have paid, or 
are charged with, a state or county tax, shall enjoy the 
right of an elector ; but no person shall be entitled to vote, 
except in the county or district in which he shall actually 
.reside, at the time of the election. 



192 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHIS3I 

Article 8, contains 28 sections of general principles ; 
among which we may notice the following; there shall 
be neither slavery nor involuntary servitude in this state, 
otherwise than for the punishment of crimes, &c. No 
preference shall be given by law to any religious society, 
or mode of worship; and no. religious test shall be requir- 
ed, as a qualification to any office of trust or profit. Sec- 
6, secures the freedom of the press, and concludes thus : 
" In prosecutions for any publication respecting the offi- 
cial conduct of men in a public capacity, or where the 
matter published is proper for public information, the truth 
thereof may always be given in evidence ; and in all in- 
dictments for libels, the jury shall have a right to deter- 
mine the law and the facts, under the direction of the 
courts, as in other cases." The person of a debtor, where 
there is not strong presumption of fraud, shall not be con- 
tinued in prison after delivering up his estate for the ben- 
efit of his creditor, or creditors, in such manner as is pre- 
scribed by law. No person shall be liable to be trans- 
ported out of this state, for any offence committed within 
the state. 

Q. What is the Population of Ohio ? 

A. The following table is according to the last census . 
of whites there were 





Male. 


Female. 


Under 5 years of age, 


96,411 


89,873 


From 5 to 10 


74,690 


71,851 


« 10 to 15 


62,151 


59,306 


* 15 to 20 


51,138 


52,635 


" 20 to 30 


81,290 


75,574 


« 30 to 40 


49,346 


43,894 


" 40 to 50 


31,112 


27,546 


" 50 to 60 


18,058 


15,898 


» 60 to 70 


10,783 


8,293 


" 70 to 80 


3,632 


2,915 









OF OHIO. 






Pr 


3m 80 to 


90 




935 


736 


« 


90 to 


100 




138 


89 


* 


' 100 and upwards, 


29 


6 



193 



Total, .... 478,680 447,631 

Among the preceding who are deaf and dumb, there 

are under 14 years of age, 148 ; from 14 to 25, 160 ; of 25 

and upwards, 118 ; blind, 232. 
Of free colored persons, there were 



s 


Males. 


Females. 


Under 10 years, 


1,562 


1,573 


" 10 to 24 


1,440 


1,551 


» 24 to 36 


808 


799 


" 36 to 55 


646 


611 


" 55 to 100 


325 


241 


" 100 and upwards, 


8 


4 


Total, 


4,688 


4,779 


Slaves. 






Males, 1 j Females, - 


- - - 5 


Deaf and Dumb, 


colored, 9. 




RECAPITULATIO 


Whites. Free colored. 


Slaves. 


Total. 


926,311 9,567 


6 


935,884 



Progressive Population.— -The settlement of Marietta, 
1787, or 49 years ago, commenced that of Ohio. In 1890, 
the population of the state amounted to 45,365 ; in 1810, 
it was 230,760; and in 1820, 581,434. 

The population of Ohio is at present increasing with a 
rapidity unexampled in any other country. 



17 



194 



GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM. 



Q. What Indians are to be found in Ohio, and what 
quantity of land do they claim ? 

A. The annexed table is taken from Davenport's Ga- 
zetteer: 



TRIBES, 

Wyandotts, 

Shawnees, 

SenecaSj 

Delawares, 

Ottowas, 



Number of 4 
• each, tribe. 

<■ '542 
800 ; 
551 ■ 
80' 
377 



Number of a~ 
cres claimed by 
each tribe. 

' 163,840 

117,616 

55,505 

5,760 

50,581 



393,301 



2350 
f Q. What are the civil divisions of Ohio ? 

A. For civil purposes, this state is divided into seventy 
five counties, and these are again subdivided into town- 
ships. Their names, date of organization, number of 
square miles, number of organized townships, seats of 
justice and bearing distance from Columbus are exhibited 
in the following. 





3 

3" 


•? 


p 


n 


_- 3 O 




3 


g 







C O £J 
3 co S. 

3 » n 




o 

to 

a 




o 

2 


O 

G 

CO 


ig and 
from 
bus. 




I 








O Or 

? B" 


Adams, 


1797 


550 


10 


West Union, 


Mls - 101 s. 


Allen, 


1831 


542 




Lima, 


iion. w. 


Ashtabula, 


1811 


700 


27 


Jefferson, 


200 " " 


Athens, 


1805 


740 


19 


Athens, 


73 S. E. 


Belmont, 


1801 


536 


16 


St. Clairsville, 


116 E. 


Brown, 


1818 


470 


14 


Georgetown, 


104 S. 


Butler, 


1803 


480 


13 


Hamilton, 


101 S. W. 


Carroll, * 


1833 


* 




Carrollton, 


1£5 E. N. E. 


Champaign. 


1805 


417 


12 


Urbanna, 


50 W.N. W. 


Clark, 


1818 


412 


10 


Springfield, 


44 W. 


Clermont, 


1806 


515 


12 


Batavia, 


86 S. W. 


Clinton, 


1810 


500 


8 


Wilmington, 


60 S. W. 







OF 


ohio. ; 


195 


Columbiana, 


1803 " I " New Lisbon, , 


150 E. N. E. 


Coshocton. 


1811 


56221 


Coshocton, 


68 N. E. 


Crawford, 


1326 


594 


12 


Bucyrus, 


60 N. 


Cuyahoga, 


1810 


475' 


19 


Cleveland, 


140 E. N. E. 


Dark, 


1817 


664 : 


10 


Greenville. 


93 W. 


Delaware, 


1808 


610! 


23 


Delaware, 


24 N. 


Fairfield, 


1800 


540! 


14 


Lancaster, 


28 S. E. 


Fayette, 


1810 


435 


7 


Washington, 


38 S. W. 


Franklin, 


1803 


520 


18 


Columbus, 


H (« 


Gallia, 


1803 


500 ! 


15 


Gallipolis, 


102 S. S. E, 


Geauga, 


1805 


600 


23 


Chardon, 


157 N. E. 


Greene, 


1803 


400 


8 


Xenia, 


56W.S.W. 


Guernsey, 


1810 


621 


19 


Cambridge, 


76 E. 


Hamilton, 


1790 400 


14 


Cincinnati, 


110 S. W. 


Hancock, 


1828 


576 


b 


Findlay, 


90 N. N. W. 


Hardin, 


1833 


570 


a 


Kenton, 


70 « .. « 


Harrison, 


1813 


ci 


13 


Cadiz, 


124 E. N. E. 


Henry, 


u 


744 


2 


Napoleon, 


161 N. W. 


Highland, » 


1805 


555 


11 


Hillborough, 


62 S. S. W. 


Hockhing, 


1818 


432 





Logan, 


46 S. S. E. 


Holmes, 


1825 


422 


14 


Millersburg, 


81 N. E. 


Huron, 


1815 


800 


29 


I Norwalk, 


106 N. 


Jackson, 


1816 


490 


i3 


Jackson, 


13 S. S. E. 


Jefferson, 


1797 


400 


13 


Steubenville, 


147 E. N. E. 


Knox, 


1808 


618 


24 


Mt. Vernon, 


47 N. N. E. 


Lawrence, 


1817 


430 


12 


Burlington, 


130 S. S. E. 


Licking, 


1808 


666 


25 


Newark, 


33 E. N. E. 


Logan, 


1818 


425 


9 


Bellefontaine, 


50 N. W. 


Lorain, 


1824 


580 


19 


Elyria, 


130 N. N. E. 


Lucas, f v 


1835 


M 


t< 


Tolido, 


150 N.N. W. 


Madison, 


1810 


480 


10 


London, 


25W. S. W. 


Marion, 


1824 


527 


15 


Marion, 


45 N. 


Medina, 


1818 


475 


14 


Medina, 


HON. N. E. 


Meigs, 


1819 


400 


12 


Chester, 


94 S. S. E, 


Mercer, 


1824 


576 


4 


St. Mary's, 


111 N. W. 


Miami, 


1807 


410 


12 


Troy, 


68N.byW 


Monroe, 


1815 


563 


18 


Woodsfield, 


120 E. S. E. 


Montgomery, 


1803 


480 


12 


Dayton, 


68 W. 










McConnels- 




Morgan, 


1819 


500 


15 


ville, 


75 S. E. 


Muskingum, 
Paulding H 


1804 
ci 


665 
432 


23 
3 


Zanesville, 

CI u 


52 E. 

M70 N. W. 


Perry, 


1818 


402 


12 


Somerset, 


46 E. S. E. 


Pickaway 


1810 


470 


14 


Circle ville, 


26 S. 


Pike, 


1815 


421 


9 


Piketon, 


Ci " 



196 



GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 



Portage, 


1807 


750 


30 


Ravenna, 


135 N. E.- 


Preble, 


1808432 


12 


Eaton, 


50 W. 


Putnam || 


" ^576 


2 


« ('< 


148 N. W T . 


Richland, 


1813 


900 


25 


Mansfield, 


74 N. W. E. 


Ross, 


1798 


615 


16 


Chillicothe, 


45 S. 


Sandusky, 


1820 


600 


10 


Lo. Sandusky 


105 N. 


Scioto, 


1803 


700 


14 


Portsmouth, 


90S. 


Seneca, 


1824 


540 


11 


Tiffin, 


87 N. 


Shelby, 


1819 


418 


10 


Sidney, 


70 N. W. 


Stark, 


1809 


cc 


16 


Canton, 


1 16 N. E. 


Trumbull, 


1800 


875 


34 


..Warren, 


I60A T . E. 


Tuscarawas, 


1808 


at 


19 


New Phila. 


100 E. N. E. 


Union, 


1824 


450 


9 


Marysville, 


30 N. W. 


Vanwert, || 


ct 


432 


k 


U (f 


100 " " 


Warren, 


1803 


400 


9 


Lebanon, 


80 S. W. 


Washington, 


1788 


713 


19 


Marietta. 


106 S. E. 


Wayne, 


1812 


660 


20 Wooster, 


89 N. E. 


Williams, 


1824" 


600il0j Defiance, 


130 N. W. 


Wood, 


1820 


750 


7 


Perrysburg, 


135 " " 



* Carroll county has been formed from Columbiana^ 
Harrison, Stark and Tuscarawas, since the edition of the 
Ohio gazeteer 1833 was published, from which the forego- 
ing was constructed. Hence the townships in each are 
not given. 

f Lucas county has been recently formed from parts ta- 
ken from Sandusky and Wood counties, and from the dis- 
puted country claimed by Michigan. 

I! Paulding, Putnam and Vanwert counties had not been 
organized at the period of our information. 

Q. Can you now dsecribe, or give a tabular view of 
the acres of land, total amount of taxable property, dur- 
ing the year 1833? 

A. The following is as correct a statement of the statis- 
tics you require as can be procured. It is taken from 
Peck's guide for emigrants. It should be noted that in all 
the western states, lands purchased of the government of 
the United States, are exempted from taxation for five 
years after sale. 



OF OHIO. 



197 



It is supposed, such lands are not included in the table. 
You will bear in mind that great changes have taken place 
in the population since the last census. 



COUNTIES. 



Adams, 

Alien, 

Ashtabula, 

Athens, 

.Belmont, 

Brown, 

Butler, 

Carroll, 

Champaign, 

Clark, 

Clermont, 

Clinton, 

Columbiana, 

Coshocton, 

Crawford, 

Cuyahoga, 

Dark, 

Delaware, 

Fairfteld, 

Fayette, 

Franklin, 

Gallic, 

Geauga, 

Greene, 

Guernsey, 

Hamilton, 

Hancock, 

Hardin, 

Harrison, 

Highland, 

Hocking, 

Holmes, 

Huron, 



Population 
in 1830. 

~ 12,231 

578 
14,584 
9,787 
28,627 
17,867 
27,142 

12,131 
13,114 

20,466 
11,436 
35,592 
11,161 
4,791 
10,873 
6,204 
11,504 
24.786 
8,132 
14,741 
9,733 
15,883 
14,801 
18,036 
~52,317 
813 
210 
20,916 
16,345 
4,008 
9,135 
13,346 

17* 



Acres ofland. 



234,322 
14,159 
449,742 
365,348 
301,511 
267,130 
257,989 
185,942 
233,493 
247,083 
280,679 
239,404 
317,796 
246,123 
79,582 
292,252 
107,730 
338,856 
308,163 
234,432 
525,155 
205,727 
381,380 
251,512 
275,652 
239,122 
9,302 
195,607 
2^,412 
517,079 
92,332 
182,439 
- 504,689 



Fotal amount 
of taxable 
property. 

£832,565 
51,214 
1,347,900 
481,479 
1,591,716 
1,358,944 
2,514,007 
529,575 
908,571 
1,114,995 
1,542,627 
785,770 
1,491,099 
850,708 
217,675 
1,401,591 
260,259 
831,093 
1.992,697 
544,539 
1,663,315 
427,962 
1,427,869 
1.441,907 
908,109 
,7,726,091 
50,929 
118,425 
1,025,210 
1,065,863 
215,272 
556,060 
| 1,512,65£ 



I 



GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 



Jackson, 

Jefferson, 

Knox, 

Lawrence, 

Licking, 

Logan-, 

Lorain, 

Madison, 

Marion, 

Medina. 

Meigs, 

Mercer, 

Miami, 

Monroe, 

Montgomery, 

Morgan, 

Muskingum, 

Perry, 

Pickaway, 

Pike, 

Portage, 

Preble, 

Richland, 

Ross, 

Sandusky, 

Scioto, 

Seneca, 

Stark, 

Shelby, 

Trumbull, 

Tuscarawas, 

Union, 

Warren, 

Washington, 

Wayne, 

Williams, and others. 

not organized, 
Wood, 

Total , 



5,941 


57,874 


22,489 


230,145 


17.085 


315,823 


5,397 


56,862 


20,869 


393,205 


6,440 


203,509 


5,696 


360,863 


6,19o 


256,421 


6.55i 


168,164 


7,56 


296,257 


6,158 


229,004 


1,110 


12,688 


12,807 


240,093 


8,768 


95,520 


24,362 


267,349 


11,800 


169,135 


29,334 


366,609 


13,970 


175,123 


16,001 


300,969 


6,024 


129,153 


18,826 


472,156 


16,291 


246,678 


24.008 


433,620 


24,068 


328,065 


2,851 


95,822 


8,740 


10.5,539 


6,159 


108,758 


26,583 


374,101 


3,671 


66,863 


26,123 


556,011 


14,298 


237,337 


3,192 


259,101 


21,468 


248,517 


11,731 


282,498 


23,333 


382,254 


1,089 


17,797 


1,102 


16.981 


935,8841 


25,600,000 



8197,932 

1,855,064 

1,252,294 

241,782' 

2,101,495 

519,622 

889,552 

600,578 

590.602 

931^599 

380,172 

54,118 

1,000,748 

280.572 

2,293,419 

452,991 

2,362,616 

729.241 

1,798,665 

521,109 

2,019,029 

1.6-86,322 

1,354.169 

2,897,605 

275,992 

963.882 

302,089 

1,854,967 

194,468 

1.807,792 

902,778 

380,535 

2,143,065 

681,301 

1,451,996 

90,066 

127,862 



6r oiiio. 199 

Q. Can you give the boundaries of Adams county ? 

A. Adams, county is bounded by Brown county W. ; 
Highland N. W., Pike N, E., Sott E., and by the Ohio riv- 
er separating it from Lewis and Mason counties of Ken- 
tucky S. Length 23 miles, breadth 22. It is divided 
into the following townships : Franklin, Meigs, Jefferson, 
Green, Tiffin, Monroe, Sprigg, Liberty, Wayne, and 
Scott. The general slope of this county is to the south- 
ward and towards the Ohio river ; it is hilly but fertile. 
Chief town West Union. 

Q. Give the boundaries &e, of Allen county ? 

A. Allen county is bounded W. by Mercer, and Van- 
wert N. by Putnam, E. by Hardin, and S. by Logan and 
Shelby. It extends about 23 miles from N. to S., with a 
width of 22 miles from E. to W. 

Q. What are the boundaries &c. of Ashtabula county ? 

A. Ashtabula is bounded N. E. by Erie county Penn- 
sylvania, E. by Crawford county Pennsylvania, S. by 
Trumbull county Ohio, W. by Geauga, and N. by Lake 
Erie. Greatest length along Pennsylvania 32 miles, on 
the western border the length is about 26 miles, mean 
length 29, and breadth 28. It is divided into the follow- 
ing townships : Andover, Ashtabula, Austinburg, Cherry- 
valley, Colebrook, Denmark, Geneva, Harpersfield, Harts- 
grove, Jefferson, Kingsville, Lenox, Millsford, Monroe, 
Morgan, New Syme, Orwell, Pierpont, Richmond, Rome, 
Salem, Saybrook, Trumbull, Wayne, Williamsfield, and 
Windsor. 

The southeastern angle of this county slopes, to the 
S. E. and gives source to the Shenango and other branch- 
es of Big Beaver. The western and central sections have 
a S. western declivity, and are drained by the sources of 
Grand river of Lake Erie, while the N. eastern part slopes 
IV. wardly, and is watered by Connaeut and Ashtabula 
rivers. From the preceding elements, we find this coun- 



200 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM. 

ty occupying a part of the table land between the vallies 
of Erie and Ohio. Chief town Jefferson. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Athens county ? 

A. Athens, county is bounded S. by Meigs, S. W. by 
Galia and Jackson, W. by Hocking, N. W. by Perry, N. E. 
by Morgan, E. by Washington, and S. E. by Ohio river 
separating it from Wood county of Virginia. The Long- . 
est line that can be drawn over this irregularly formed 
county is diagonal from S. W. to N. E. 40 miles. Mean 
breadth 20 miles. It is divided into the following town- 
ships : Alexander, Ames, Athens, Berne, Canaan, Carth- 
age, Dover, Elk, Homer, Lee, Lodi, Rome, Trimble, Trey, 
Vinton, Waterloo, and York. 

The southern margin of this county declines to the 
southward and gives source to some creek flowing in that 
direction into Ohio river. The central and rather most 
extensive section is watered by the Hocking river and its 
confluents. The Hocking enters at the extreme north- 
western angle, and flowing to the S. E. diagonally over 
the county falls into the Ohio river at the extreme south- 
western angle. The surface of Athens county of Ohio is 
excessively hilly, but fertile. Chief town Athens. 

(£. What are the boundaries, &c. of Belmont county ? 
A. Belmont county is bounded S. by Monroe, W. by 
Guernsey, N. W. by Harrison, N. E. by Jefferson, and 
E. by Ohio river separating it from Ohio county Virginia. 
Greatest length along the northern border, 30 miles the 
breadth 20, and mean length 26, the area 520 square miles. 
It is divided into the following townships: Colerain, 
Flushing, Goshen, Kirkwood, Mead, Pease, Pultney, Rich- 
land, Smith, Somerset, Union, Warren, Wayne, Wheel- 
and York. 

This eounty is divided into two very nearly equal sec- 
tions, by the divided table land between the vallies of 
Ohio and Muskingum, from which flow eastward small 



OF OHIO. ' 201 

creeks into Ohio river and issue westward the sources of 
Will's and Stillwater branches of Muskingum. The sur- 
face is a series of hills, with deep and narrow intervening 
vallies. Soil almost uniformly fertile. Chief town St. 
Clairsville. 

Q. "What are the boundaries &c. of Brown county ? 

A. Brown county is bounded by Ohio river separating 
it from Mason and Bracken counties of Kentucky S. by 
Clermont county Ohio W., Clinton N. W., Highland N. 
and N. E., and Adams E. Length from S. to N. 30, miles, 
mean breadth 17. It is divided into the following town- 
ships: By rd, Clark, Eagle, Franklin, Huntington, Jack- 
son, Lewis, Perry, Pike, Pleasant, Scott, Sterling, Union, 
and Washington. 

The N. western part between Clermont and Highland 
counties slopes to the S. E. and is drained by the E. Fork 
of Little Miami. The southern and larger section declines 
towards Ohio river and is drained by White Oak and sev- 
eral smaller creeks. The surface of the whole county is 
broken, but soil excellent. Chief town Georgetown. 

Q. What are the boundaries, Arc. of Butler county"? 

A. Butler, a western county, bounded on the N. by 
Preble, and Montgomery counties, E. by Warren county, 
S. by Hamilton county, and W. by the state of Indiana. 
It is 27 miles long from E. to W., by 18 broad from N. to 
S. containing, It is divided into the following town- 
spips : Fairfield, Hanover, Lemon, Liberty, Madison, Mil- 
ford, Morgan, Oxford, Reiley, Ross, St Clair, Union, and 
Wayne. It contains also, the towns of Hamilton, the 
county seat, Jacksonburg, Middletown, Trenton, Millville, 
Monroe, Chester Oxford, and Princeton. The land is 
mostly of an excellent quality for farming. Its waters 
are the Great Miami, Dicks, Indian, St. Clair, Four mile, 
and Seven mile creeks. Hamilton is the county town, 



202 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Carroll county > 

A. Carroll, is a new county of Ohio, formed in the year 
1833, and taken from Stark, Columbiana, Jefferson, Har- 
rison and Tuscarawas counties, and bounded on all sides 
by them. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Champaign coun- 
ty? 

A. Champaign county is bounded by Clarke S., Miami 
S. W., Shelby N. W., Logan N., Union N. E., and Madi- 
son S. E., Length 29 miles, breadth 16. 
- Though the extreme sources of Darby's creek a branch 
of Scioto river flows from the eastern border, and some 
fountains of creeks flowing into the Great Miami, issue 
from the westward, the great body of this county slopes 
S. ward and is included in the valley of Mad river. Chief 
town Urbana. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Clark county ? 

A. Clark county, is bounded by Champaign N., 
Madison E., Greene S., and S. W. and N. W. by Mont- 
gomery and Miami. Length 30 miles, breadth 18, area 
412 square miles. It is divided into the following 
townships: Pleasant, Harmony, Madison, Greene, Mad 
river, Springfield, and Moorefield on the E. side of Mad 
river, and German, Bethel and Pike on the W. County 
seat is Springfield. The soil is generally rich and fertile. 
This county was organized in March 1818, out of the 
counties of Champaign and Greene. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Clermont county ? 

A. Clermont, a river county, bounded on the N. by 
Warren county, on the E. by Brown county, on the S. 
by the Ohio river, and on the W. by Hamilton county. 
It is 30 miles long from N. to S. and 15 broad from E, to 
west. 

A large portion of the land in this county is rich and 



ev O^OHIO. 203 

fertile, although some parts of it are wet and unfit for 
cultivation. Seat of justice is Batavia. The principal 
water is a stream running westwardly into the Little Mi- 
ami river called E. Fork. The land is broken and hilly 
on the banks of the Ohio river, and the smaller streams 
emptying into it. Farther back, much of the land is wet 
and marshy. It is divided into the following town- 
ships : Batavia, Franklin, Goshen, Miami, Ohio, Stonelick, 
Tate, Union, Washington, Wayne, and Williamsburg. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Clinton county ? 

A. Clinton county is bounded S. E. by Highland, S. W. 
by Brown, W. by Warren, N. by Green, and N. E. by 
Fayette. Length 22 miles, mean breadth 18. 

This county is a real table land, from which creeks flow 
literally in every direction, On its surface are the sour- 
ces of Paint creek branch of Scioto, and of E. Fork, 
Todd's Fork, and other branches of Little Miami. The 
soil is generally productive. Chief town Wilmington. 

The portion of this county that is so broken as to injure 
the cultivation, is so small as not to be worth mentioning. 
The southwest quarter is the poorest land in the county, 
and has the most marshy ground. The E. end comes 
in next for flat lands, although it is but a small portion that 
is too wet for ploughing, and th ai is excellent meadow 
land. There are two prairies on Anderson's Fork con- 
taining apout 1,200 or 1,500 acres. This seems to be all 
the prairie worth mentioning. This county is generally 
very heavy timbered ; among which timber are various 
kinds, such as white, black, red and bur oak ; white, blue, 
and black ash ; yellow and white poplar ; black and 
white walnut ; hickory ; red and white elm ; hackberry ; 
buckeye &c. Nearly the whole county is supplied with 
sugar trees 

Clinton county was first settled in 1804 — 5, principally 



204" GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

by some friends or quakers from North Carolina, Tennes- 
see and Virginia, and by a few Kentuckians. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Columbiana coun- 
ty ? 

A. Columbiana county, is bounded on the N. by Trum- 
bull, county, on the west by Stark county, on the south 
by Harrison and Jefferson counties, and Ohio river ; and 
on the E, by Beaver county Pennsylvania. It is a large, 
fertile and wealthy county, lying in a square form of 30 
miles each way, excepting an area of about 36 square 
miles, which is cut off from the southeastern corner by a 
bend in the Ohio river. It contained 22,038 inhabitants 
in 1820 ; and in 1827, 5,399 electors. It is divided into 
the 24 following townships : St. Clair, Middleton, Unity, 
Springfield, Beaver, Fairfield, Elkrun, Madison, Yellow 
creek, Saline, Wayne, Centre, Salem, Green, Goshen, But- 
ler, Hanover, Franklin, Fox, Washington, Augusta, West, 
Knox, and Smith. In various parts are also laid out the 
16 following towns or villages, namely, New-Lis"bon, the 
seat of justice, Columbiana, Bellefonte, Clarkson, Ports- 
mouth, Pottsgrove, Salem, Fairfield, Petersburg, West- 
Union, New-Garden Achoistown, Hanover, Fawcetts- 
town, Wellsville, and New Alexandria. Little Beaver 
Creek, together with its various branches, waters above 
half the eastern parts of the county. 

The land is mostly hilly, or rolling : considerable quan- 
tities, however, are level. It contains inexhaustible beds 
of iron ore, and stone coal, of the easiest access. Upon 
Yellow creek, one of its waters, salt is manufactured, in 
very considerable quantities. The water ,is obtained from 
wells sunk only from 150, to 200 feet. It has also, sever- 
al paper manufactures, oil mills, and breweries. 

Columbiana, a small post town of Fairfield township, 
in the above described county 8 miles northerly from 



OF OHIO. 205 

New Lisbon, and 160 miles northeast from Columbus, the 
Capitol of the state. 

<4. What are the boundaries, &c. of Coshockton coun- 
ty ? a 

A. Coshocton is an interior county, bounded on the 
north by Holmes, on the east by Tuscarawas, south by 
Muskingum, and on the west by Knox county. It is 30 
by 20 miles in extent. It is divided into the 20 following 
townships : Bedford, Bethlehem, Clark, Crawford, Frank- 
lin, Jackson, Jefferson, Keene, Linton Mill creek, Monroe, 
Newcastle, Oxford, Perry, Pike, Tiverton Tuscarawas, 
Virginia, Washington, Whiteyes. Its principal waters, 
besides the Muskingum river, which runs through the S. 
eastern quarter, are Wills-creek, and White Womans 
river, together with its extensive branches. The land is 
generally hilly, and rough, although in some places, level 
and fertile. 

The Ohio and Erie canal runs centrally across this 
county, which gives additional value to its mineral and 
agricultural productions. This county was formerly oc- 
cupied by indians of the Delaware tribe, who had villages 
on the present site of Coshocton, of Caldersburg, and two 
miles S. of the former place. Coshocton was the scene of 

a massacre by general Broadhead, in 17 . .Mounds 

and burial places are common throughout the county. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Crawford county ? 

A. Crawford county is bounded by Marion S., Hardin 
southwest, Hancock northwest, Seneca. north, Huron N. 
east, and Richland east. Length from east to_west 32 
miles, mean breadth 20. 

This county is nearly commensurate with the higher 
part of the valley of Sandusky river, and is drained N. 
by the various constituents of that stream. The surface 
is level, and is a rather elevated table land. Chief town 
Bucyrus. 

18 



206 GEORAPGHICAL CATECHISM 

This county is divided into 12 following, townships, 
Antrim, Bucyrus, @hatfield, Cranberry, Crawford,- Hol~ 
mes, Liberty, Pitt, Sandusky, Sycamore, Tyamochty, and 
Whetstone. There is an indian reservation of about 12 
by 19 miles in extent in the central part of the county. It 
was named in rememberance of an American officer, who 
was most barbarously burnt to death by the indians on 
one of its plains, 
i Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Cuyahoga county ? 

A. Cuyahoga is bounded by Geauga county northeast r 
Portage southeast, Medina southwest, Lorain west, and 
lake Erie north. Length from east to west 32 miles. 
mean breadth 17. 

The surface of this county is a rather rapidly inclining 
plain, the farms have a fall of at least 400 feet from the 
southern and higher, to the lower border on lake Erie, 
Chief town, Cleveland. 

It is divided into the 19 following townships : Bedford, 
Bricksville, Brooklyn, Chagrine, Cieaveland, Dover, Euc- 
lid, Independence, Mayfield, Middleburg, Newburg, Olm- 
stead, Orange, Parma, Rockport, Royalton, Solon, 
Strongsvilie and Warrensviiie. The principal waters 
are the Chagrine, Cuyahoga', and Rock rivers, all running 
northwardly into lake Erie. Of these the Cuyahoga is 
the largest, and gives name to the county. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Darke county ? 

A. Darke county is bounded N. by Mercer, N. east by 
Shelby, S. E. by Miami and Montgomery, S. E. by Wayne 
county Indiana, and W. by Randolph county Indiana. 
Extending in latitude from 39 degrees 52 seconds to 40 de- 
grees 27 seconds, and in longitude 7 degrees 26 to 7 de- 
grees 48 west, Washington City. Breadth 21 miles from 
E. to West, and mean length 36. Darke county is nearly 
commensurate with the region drained by, and giving 
s ource to the higher branches of the West Fork of Great 



OF OHIO. *4 ^07 

Miami, with a general S. E. slope. Surface pleasantly di- 
versified by hill and dale, soil in part productive. It is di- 
vided into the following townships : Adams, Butler, Ger- 
man, Greenville. Harrison, Neave, Richland, Twin, Wash- 
inton and Wayne. There is considerable prairie land in 
the county. Greenville the seat of justice is the only town 
of considerable note in the county. Its principal streams 
are Stillwater and Greenville creeks, which are the head 
waters of the southwest branch of Great Miami river, 

Q. "What are the boundaries, &c. of Delaware county ? 

A. Delaware county is bounded S. by Franklin, W. by 
Union, N. by Marion, N. E. by Knox, and S. E. by Lick- 
ing. Greatest Length 28 miles, mean breadth 25. The 
E. border of this county extends from S. to N. along the 
summit between the valleys of Muskingum and Hocking 
on the E., and the Scioto on the west. The extreme sour- 
ces of White Woman's Fork, of Muskingum and of the 
Hocking rise along the east border of Delaware and flow 
eastwardly. The body of the county has a slope almost 
due south, and is traversed in that direction, by the two 
main constituent streams of Scioto, the Whetstone and 
Scioto Proper ; Allum and Walnut creeks, also tributary 
waters of Scioto rise in its eastern section. Chief town 
Delaware. Population 1820, was 7,639. It is divided in- 
to 23 townsnips, viz: Bennington, Berkshire, Berlin, 
Brown, Concord, Delaware, Genoa, Herlem, Harmony, 
Kingston, Liberty, Lincoln, Marlborough, Orange, Oxford, 
Peru, Porter, Radnor, Scioto, Sunbury, Thompson, Troy, 
and Westfield. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Fairfield county ^ 

A. Fairfield, a large, wealthy, interior county, is bound- 
ed on the north by Licking, east by Perry, south by Hock- 
ing, and west by Pickaway and Franklin counties. It is 
30 miles long by 24 broad ; and contains 540 square mis. 
It is divided into the 14 following townships viz : Aman- 



208 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

da, Liberty, Madison, Bern, Bloom, Hocking, Violet, 
Greenfield, Clear- creek, Pleasant, Walnut, Richland r 
Rush-creek, and Perry. The villages regularly laid out 
and called towns, are in addition to Lancaster, the coun- 
ty seat, the eight following namely : Rushville, Pickering- 
ton, Greencastle, Lithopolis, Baltimore, Carroll, Basil and 
Monticello. This county embraces perhaps, the most el- 
evated tract of country, of similar extent, between the 
Muskingum and Scioto rivers. The land is therefore, 
drier and more peculiarly adapted to the production of 
wheat, and other kinds of grain, than that of several adja- 
cent counties. The principal streams are the head wa- 
ters of Hockhocking river. The face of the country 
about Lancaster in the central part of the county presents 
a peculiar aspect.— The land seems generally level ; ab- 
rupt, precipitous, and uniform piles of rocks, producing 
very little timber or herbage, are occasionally interspers- 
ed in a promiscuous manner, in every direction. 

They are of divers altitudes and magnitudes, some 
might perhaps, conjecture them to have been works of 
art, did not their numbers, and magnitude preclude the 
idea. 

One of those called Mount-Pleasant, about one mile 
northeasterly from Lancaster, is very remarkable. It is 
'• situated near a large prairie, and is encompassed by a 
large plain. The southwest front of this large pile of 
rocks is about 21 1 feet in perpendicular height : the base 
is about a mile and a half in circumference, while the top 
is about 30 by 100 yards across, the northeast side is tol- 
erably easy of ascent, and it can be ascended in one or 
two other directions , but those who ascend it find it tire- 
some, and are glad when they reach the summit, which 
is level and commands a very extensive prospect of the 
surrounding country, which it may be truly said is mag- 
nificently sublime. On approaching Lancaster, across a, 



OF OHIO. 209 

prahie, the bold front and great height of Mount-Pleasant 
has a romantic appearance, and forms a pleasing contrast 
with the surrounding country. From this mount the 
town is supplied with its stone and sand." The soil in 
this vicinity is rather hard of tillage, but tolerably good for 
grain. Some parts of the county, particularly in the S. 
eastern quarter, are very hilly, and a thin barren soil : 
but all taken together, may be considered valuable. 

The internal improvements are considerable, there be- 
ing within the limits of the county, three fulling mills, 8 
carding machines, and 30 gristmills, beside double that 
number of sawmills. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Fayette county ? 

A. Fayette, is an interior county, bounded on the N. 
by Madison, E. by Pickaway, and Ross, S, by Highland, 
west by Clinton and Green counties. 

It is 23 by 21 miles in extent. The principal waters are 
Deer and Paint creeks. The land is generally level and 
of a moderately good quality. County seat Washington. 
It is divided into 7 townships, namely : Paint, Madison, 
Union, Wayne, Green, and Concord. It has the four post 
offices of Washington, Bloomingburg, Duffs fork, and 
Main Paint creek. 

The settlement of this county commenced about the 
year 1805. It was so named in honor of the Marquis de 
Lafayette, whose devotedness to the cause of American 
liberty in our revolutionary contest, w^as, and still is. 
warmly cherished by all American citizens. 

What are the boundaries, &c. of Franklin county ? 

A. Franklin county, is bounded south by Pickaway, 
southwest and West, by Madison, northwest by Union, 
north by Delaware, northeast by Licking, and southeast 
by Fairfield. Length 25 miles, mean breadth 22. The 
slope is directly southward, and in that direction the coun- 
ty is traversed by Whetstone and Scioto rivers, which 

18* 



210 GEOGRAPHICAL CATiJCIIlSM 

entering on the northern border, and uniting betweer* 
Franklin, and Columbus, the combined waters, assuming 
the name of Scioto, continue south over the residue of 
the county. The eastern side is also traversed in a 
southern course by Big Walnut ; as is the western by 
Darby creek. The soil is productive. But the main bo- 
dy of the land is more peculiarly fitted for grazing, than 
for raising grain. It is divided into the following town- 
ships : Blendon, Brown, Clinton, Franklin, Hamilton, 
Jackson, Jefferson, Madison, Mifflin, Montgomery, Nor- 
wich, Perry, Plain, Pleasant, Prairie, Sharon, Truro, and 
Washington. In point of extent of territory, number of 
townships, amount of taxable property, of taxes annual- 
ly paid ; in population, and general progressive annual 
increase, Franklin county may be considered a fair sam- 
ple of the average of all the counties of the state. 

Q. What are the boundaries <&c. of Gallia county ? 

A. Gallia county is bounded N. by Athens and Meigs 
counties, E. by the Ohio river, S. and W. by Lawrence 
and Jackson counties. Its greatest extent is 36 miles 
from north to south, and 24 from east to west ; contain- 
ing about 500 square miles. The land in the interior, 
southern and western parts, is hilly, of a poor soil, and 
consequently not much settled ; but in the upper parts, 
and bordering on the Ohio river, are numerous tracts of 
fertile and valuable land. The principal water is Rac- 
coon creek, with several smaller ones, all running south- 
wardly into the Ohio river, which skirts the whole length 
of the county, from the northeastern, to its southwestern 
most extremity. The name is derived from the circum- 
stance of some of its earliest settlements having been 
made by emigrants from France anciently called Gaul, 
or Gallia. It is divided into the following townships : Ad- 
dison, Cheshire, Galliopolis, Green, Greenfield, Guyan, 



OF OHIO. 211 

Harrison, Huntington, Morgan, Ohio, Perry Raccoon, 
Springfield, Walnut, and Wilksville. 

Q,. What are the boundaries, &c. of Geauga county ? 

A. Geauga, a lake county, is bounded on the north by 
Erie, east by Ashtabula and Trumbull counties, S. by 
Portage, and on the west by Cuyahoga county. It is 35 
miles long, and 20 broad, containing about 600 square 
miles. The name is said to signify in an indian dialect, 
Grand, which is the name of the principal river. Beside 
that river, some of the sources of Chagrine and Cuyaho- 
ga rivers water this county. In 1820 it contained 7,- 
777 inhabitants. It is divided into the following town- 
ships : Madison, Thompson, Montville, Huntsburg, Bata- 
via, Parkman, Welchfield, Burton, Claridon, Hambden, 
Leroy, Perry, Painsville, Concord, Chardon, Munson, 
Newbury, Auburn, Bainbridge, Russel, Chester, Kirtland, 
and Mentor. 

(J. What are the boundaries, &c. of Greene county ? 

A. Greene county is bounded S. E. by Clinton, S. W, 
by Warren, W. by Montgomery, N. by Clarke, N. E. by 
Madison, and E. by Fayette. Length, 28 miles, mean 
breadth, 18. Extending in latitude from 39 deg. 30 min, 
to 39 deg. 51 min., and in long, from 6 deg. 33 min. to 7 
deg. 8 min W, Washington City, This county is drained 
by some of the higher branches of Little Miami. Slopes 
S. westward. Chief town Xenia. 

It is divided into the following townships : Bath, Bea- 
ver creek, Sugar creek, Silver creek, Ross, Miami, Ce- 
sar's creek, and Xenia. It also contains the 5 villages or 
towns of Xenia, Fairfield, Bellbrook, Jamestown, and 
Winchester. This county abounds with springs of ex- 
cellent water, and is considered generally healthy. 

Q. What are the boundaries &c. of Guernsey county 

A. Guernsey county is bounded S. E. by Monroe, by 
Morgan southwest, Muskingum west, Coshocton north- 



— ^^^^ 



212 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

west, Tuscarawas north, Harrison northeast, and Bel- 
mont east. Length from south to north, 28 miles ; mean 
breadth 25. 

Extending in latitude from 39 degrees 51 minutes to 
40 degrees 12 minutes; and in longitude from 4 degrees 
13 minutes to 4 degrees 43 minutes west Washington 
City. It is almost commensurate with the higher valley 
of Wills' creek ; slope northwardly in the general course of 
that stream; surface hilly, with good soil. It is divided 
into the following townships: Adams, Eeaver, Buffalo, 
Cambridge, Centre, Jackson, Jefferson, Knox Liberty, 
Londonderry, Madison, Monroe, Oxford, Richland, Spen- 
cer, Washington Westland, Wheeling, and Wills. The 
towns are Cambridge, the seat of justice, Washington, 
Frankfort, Fairview, Winchester Londonderry and Liv- 
erpool. The land is generally hilly, and of a moderately 
good quality; there are however, several tracts of excel- 
lent land along Wills creek; which stream and its bran- 
ches compose its principal waters. There are excellent lo- 
calities for the raising of the grape, and of sheep, both of 
which are going through a course of experiment, which 
if the result should equal the expectations of good judges, 
the county of Guernsey may yet be as famous for excel- 
lence of its wine, and the fineness of its fleeces as any 
country in Europe. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Hamilton county ? 
A. Hamilton county is bounded west by Dearborn 
county, Indiana, north by Butler county, Ohio, northeast 
b^Warren, east by Clermont, southeast by the Ohio river 
separating it from Campbell county, Ky., and southwest 
by Ohio river, separating it from Boone county, Kentucky. 
Length from east to west, 30 miles, mean breadth, 10. 
This county occupies a part of that great buttress of hills, 
which skirt the right bank of Ohio river from its head 
near Pittsburg, to below the influx of Wabash. Great and 



OF OHIO. 213 

Little Miami traverse Hamilton in deep valleys. The sur- 
face of the county is hilly, but the soil in an especial man- 
ner productive. Bituminous mineral coal abounds. The 
Miama canal, connecting the stream of the Great Miami 
with the Ohio, reaches the latter in Cincinnati. In 1830* 
this county exclusive of the city of Cincinnati, contained 
a population of 22,317, including the inhabitants of that 
city, 52,317, or with the city a distributive population of 
109 to the square mile. Its townships are as follow : An- 
derson, Cincinnati, Colerain, Columbia, Crosby, Delhi* 
Fulton, Greene, Miami, Mill Creek, Sycamore, Symmes, 
Springfield, Whitewater. 

Q. What are the boundaries. &c. of Hancock county ? 

A. HanGock, a county situated in the new purchase, 
bounded north by Wood, east by Seneca and Crawford, 
south by Hardin, and west by Putnam county. It is 24 
miles square, containing 576 square miles. The town of 
Findlay is the seat of justice. It is divided into the five 
townships of Amanda, Delaware, Findlay, Jackson, and 
Oldtown. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Hardin county ? 

A. Hardin county is bounded by Union southeast, Lo- 
gan south, Allen west, Hancock north, Crawford north- 
east, and Marion east. It is very nearly a square of 24 
miles each way. This county occupies a table land from 
which the branches of Sandusky and those of Blanchard's 
river flow to the north; the extreme sources of Scioto 
southeast, those of Sandy creek branch of Great Miami 
southwest, and those of Au Glaize river west. Chief town' 
Hardy. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Harrison county? 

A. Harrison county is bounded southeast by Belmont ; 
southwest by Guernsey ; west by Tuscarawas ; northwest 
by Stark ; north by Columbiana ; and east by Jefferson. 
Length from south to north, 27 miles, mean breadth 18.—*.. 



214 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

It is divided into the following townships : Archer, At. 
Cadiz, Freeport, German, Green, Moorfield, North, Not- 
tingham, Rock, Rumley, Short creek, Stock, Union, and 
Wabash. 

The dividing ridge between the valleys of Ohio 
Tuscarawas rivers extends from south to north the entire 
length of this county, dividing it into two unequal sec- 
tions. The eastern side slopes to the east, and gives 
source to creeks flowing over Jefferson into Ohio river. 
The western side declines westward, towards the Tusca- 
rawas ; surface excessively broken and hilly, but soil 
highly fertile. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c of Henry county ? 
A. Henry county is bounded east by Wood, south by 
Putnam, southwest by Paulding, west by Williams, and 
north by Lenawe county, Michigan. 

This county lies entirely in the valley of Great Miama, 
and is traversed by the main volume of that river flowing 
northeastward, and dividing the county into two not very 
unequal sections. Chief town, Damascus. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Highland county ? 
A. Highland county is bounded E. by Adams county, 
southwest and west by Brown, northwest by Clinton, S. 
by Fayette, northeast by Ross, and east by Pike. This 
county derives its name from occupying a table land be- 
tween the Ohio, Scioto, and Little Miami valleys. The 
southeastern sources of Paint creek flow to the northeast 
towards the Scioto ; those of Brush and Eagle creeks 
southward towards Ohio river, and the eastern branches 
of Little Miami westward. The surface is hilly and bro- 
ken. Soil various, but generally productive. Chief town, 
Hillsboro'. 

The county is divided into the following townships :— 
Brush creek, Concord, Fairfield, Jackson, Liberty, Madi< 
son, New Market, Paint, Salem, Union, and White oak. 



OF OHIO. 215 

Q,. What arc the boundaries, &c. of Hocking county P 

A. Hocking is an entire county bounded on the north 
by Fairfield and Perry, east by Athens, south by Jackson, 
and west by Ross counties. It is 26 by 24 miles in extent, 
containing 432 square miles. The land is generally hilly 
and broken. It contains, however, considerable fertile 
and valuable land, particularly along the borders of Hock- 
hocking river, which runs across the northeastern quar- 
ter of the county. The head waters of Raccoon and Salt 
creeks are also in this county. 

It is divided into the nine townships of Eagle, Falte; 
Good Hope, Green, Laurel, Salt Creek, Star, Swan, and 
Washington. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Holmes counti ; 

A. Holmes county is bounded east by Tuscarawas. 
south by Coshocton, southwest by Knox, northwest by 
Richland, and north by Wayne. Length from east to 
west 30 miles, breadth 18. 

Latitude 40 degrees 27 minutes to 40 degrees 40 min- 
utes, longitude 4 degrees 42 minutes to 5 degrees 13 min- 
utes west Washington City. This county is traversed 
from north to south by Kilbuck branch of White Woman's 
river and the western border by Mohiccon river, slope 
southward. Chief town Millersburg. Holmes county 
was formed since the census of 1820, from the southern 
part of Wayne, and northern of Coshocton. The soil is 
of various qualities both poor and rich. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Huron county ? 

A. Huron county is bounded east by Lorain county, S. 
by Highland, southwest by Crawford, west by Seneca 
and Sandusky, and north by lake Erie. Greatest length 
from south to north along the western border 48 miles; 
mean length is about 40, breadth 28. Latitude 40 deg. 
to 40 deg. 38 minutes, longitude 5 degrees 18 minutes to 



216 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

5 degrees 48 minutes west Washington City. Vermillion 
river of Erie flows northwardly along its eastern border 
Sandusky river after a northern course over Marion, 
Crawford, Seneca and Sandusky counties, inflects to the 
east widens into a bay, the lower part of which traverses 
Huron county and separates Sandusky point from the 
other parts of the county; Huron river however, from 
which the county takes its name, drains the much greater 
part of its surface. The whole area is an inclined plain 
falling by gentle slopes northward towards lake Erie. 
The soil is generally fertile. Chief town Sandusky, 
though Norwalk is the seat of justice. It is divided into 
following townships : Brunson, Clarksfield, Danbury, El- 
dridge, Fairfield, Fitchville, Florence, Greenfield, Green- 
wich, Hartland, Huron, Lyme, Margaretta, Milan, New 
Haven, New London, Norwalk, Norwich, Oxford, Perkins, 
Peru, Portland, Ridgefield, Ripley, Ruggles, Sherman, 
Townsend, Vermillion, and Wakeman. 

i ;Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Jackson county ? 

A. Jackson county is bounded southeast by Meigs, S. 
by Lawrence, southwest by Sciota, west by Pike, north- 
west by Ross, north by Hocking, and northeast by Athens'. 
Length, 30 miles ; mean breadth, 15. Latitude, 38 degrees, 
50 min, to 39 deg. 17 min. ; longitude, from Washington 
city, 5 degrees 16 min. to 5 deg. 45 min, west. It is a ta- 
ble land, discharging creeks northwestward into Scioto 
river, southward and southwestward into Ohio river. — 
Surface extremely broken. Chief town, Jackson. 

It is divided into the thirteen townships of Clinton, 
Milton, Bloomfield, Madison, Franklin, Scioto, Lick, Jack- 
son, Richland, HamiltOB, Harrison, Washington, and Jef- 
ferson. 

Q. What are the boundaries, <&c. of Jefferson county? 

A. Jefferson county is bounded north by Columbiana, 



OF OHIO. 217 

by the Ohio river E. separating it from Brooke county, 
Va. ; by Belmont, Ohio, S., and Harrison, west. Length, 
27 miles, breadth 20. Lat. 40° 10' to 40° 33'; long. 3° 50' 
west from Washington city. Slopes Eastward towards 
Ohio river, and in that direction is drained by Yellow 
Cross and Short creeks. Surface hilly, but soil fertile and 
abounding in bituminous mineral coal. Chief town, Steu- 
benville. 

It contains the thirteen townships of Knox, Island creek, 
Cross creek, Steubenville, Wells, Warren, Mount Pleasant, 
Smithfield, Wayne, Salem, Ross, Clinton, and Springfield. 
The principal streams are Yellow creek, Short creek, and 
Cross creek. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Knox county ? 
A. Knox county is bounded S. by Licking, Delaware 
west, Marion N. W., Richland N., Holmes N. E., and Co- 
shocton E. Length, 30 miles, mean width 21. Lat. 40° 
14' to 40° 32', long, from Washington city 5° west. Slopes 
southeastward, and is drained by the sources of Mohiccon 
creek. Chief town, Mount Vernon. 

The county contains the following townships, viz 
Berlin, Bloomfield, Brown, Butler, Chester, Clay, Clinton 
Franklin, Harrison, Hilliar, Howard, Jackson, Jefferson 
Liberty, Middlebury, Milford, Miller, Monroe, Morgan, 
Morris, Pike, Pleasant, Union, and Wayne. 

i Q. Can you give the boundaries, etc. of Lawrence coun- 
ty ? 

A. Lawrence county is bounded by Scioto county N 
west, Jackson N., Gallia N. E., by Ohio river separating 
it from Cabell county, Va., and by Ohio river separating it 
Greenup county, Kentueky. Length, 30 miles, mean 
breadth, 13. 

It lies directly opposite the mouth of Big Sandy river 
slopes southward, and in that direction is drained by 

19 



216 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

Synime's creek, and some smaller streams. Chief : 
Burlington. 

The county is divided into the following townships . 
Aid, Decatur, Elizabeth, Fayette, Lawrence, Mason, Perry. 
Rome, Symmes, Union, Upper, and Windsor. Iron ore is 
found in most parts of the county. 

Q. What are the boundaries. <kc. of Licking county I 
A. Licking county is bounded southeast by Perry, south 
by Fairfield, Franklin southwest, Delaware nor:;. 
Knox north, Coshocton northeast, and Muskingum east. 
It is 30 miles from east to west, and 24 broad. The 
is eastward, and the whole surface very nearly com 
surate with the higher part of the valley of Licking creek, 
or more correctly, river. 

The great central Ohio canal enters this coiml 
southern border near Hebron, sweeping a northern 
past Newark, the seat of justice ; this work passes 
the Licking valley, and leaves the county near the m 
of its eastern side. 

Though a level country, it is a rather elevated : 
land ; the level of the canal at Newark is 834 feet above 
mean level of the Atlantic ocean, and 219 feet above thai 
of the Ohio river at the mouth of Scioto river. The a 
land of the county is from 900 to 1 100 feet above the com- 
mon ocean tides. The excellence of the soil is she; 
its progressive population. 
Describe Logan county. 

Logan county is bounded by Champaign sou:: : 
west, Allen northwest. Hardin north, and Union east. — 
Latitude, 40° 25' longitude. 6 C 45' west : slopes southward, 
and is principally drained by Sandy creek branch of 
Great Miami, and the sources of Mad river. Chief town, 
Beilefontaine. 
The county contains the following townships. 



OF OHIO. 219 

sor^ Lake, M' Arthur, Miami, Monroe, Perry, Rush 
. Union and Zane. 
Describe Lorain county. 

Lorain county is bounded northeast by Cuyahoga, east 
by Medina, southeast by Wayne, southwest by Richland, 
west by Huron, and north by lake Erie. From S. to N. 40 
miles, mean breadth 15. 

The county is divided into the following townships : 
Amherst, Avon, Black river, Brighton, Brownhelm, Car- 
lisle, Columbia, Eaton, Elyria, Grafton, Henrietta, Hunt- 
ington, Lagrange, Penfield, Ridgefield, Russia, Sheffield, 
Sullivan, and Willington. 

Slopes almost due north, and is drained by Black river, 
and some smaller streams. Chief town, Elyria. 
Describe Madison county. 

Madison county is bounded by Lafayette south, Greene 
southwest, Champaign northwest, Union north, Franklin 
<?ast, and Pickaway southeast. Slopes southeastward, 
and is principally drained by Darby's creek. Chief town, 
London. 

This county embraces large quantities of land, peculiar- 
ly adapted for grazing farms, and large herds of neat 
cattle are annually raised here. 
Describe Marion county. 

Marion county is bounded north by Crawford county, 
east by Richland, south by Delaware and Union, and west 
by Hardin. Length from east to west 33 miles, mean 
breadth 18. Slopes southward, and drained by the higher 
branches of the Scioto river. Chief town, Marion. 

This county comprises the height of land between the 
Sandusky and Scioto rivers. Much of it is open plain, 
or table land, composing the southernmost part of what 
are called Sandusky plains. Much of it is however hea- 
vily timbered, and of a very rich and fertile quality. It is 
well watered. 



220 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

Marion county contains the townships of Big Island, 
Canaan, Claridon, Grand Prairie, Green camp, Marion, 
Morven, Pleasant, Richland, Saltrock, Scott. Tully, and; 
Richmond. 

Describe Meigs county. 

Meigs county is bounded southwest by Gallia, north- 
west and north by Athens : Ohio river separating it from 
Mason county, Va. east, southeast and south. Length 
from east to west, 30 miles, mean breadth 15. Surface- 
very broken, but some tolerably productive. Chief town, 
Chester. 

Its townships are Chester, Columbia, Lebanon, Letart,, 
Olive, Orange, Rutland, Salem, Salisbury, Scipio, and 
Sutton. 

Besides being washed by the Ohio river, it has also 
Shade and Leading creeks. 
Describe Mercer county. 

Mercer county is bounded by Vanwert north, Allen N, 
east, Shelby southeast, Darke south, and the state of In- 
diana west. Length 28 miles, mean breadth 20. 

This county occupies the table land from which flows 
St. Mary's branch of the Great Maumee,, and on which 
rise the extreme sources of the Wabash. It is remarka- 
ble that both rivers assume a nearly parallel northwest 
course, which they maintain over Mercer into Indiana, 
and thence converge into directly opposite courses ; the 
Wabash to the southwest and Maumee northeast. It is 
obvious from the foregoing circumstances in the course 
of its streams, that Mercer is among the most elevated 
tracts between the valleys of Ohio and St. Lawrenc e 
Chief town, St. Mary's. 

The county contains the following townships, viz : — 
Amanda, Bath, Dublin, St. Mary's, Union and Wilt- 
shire. 



OF OHIO. 221 

Describe Miami county . 

Miami county is bounded by Montgomery south, Darke 
west. Shelby north, Champagin northeast, and Clarke S. 
east. Length and breadth nearly equal, 20 miles. It is 
traversed in a direction from N. N. west to S. S. E. by 
the main stream of Great Miami, and also by its southwest 
branch.. The soil is generally fertile. Principal town, 
Troy. 

Its townships are: Brown, Lost creek, Elizabeth, Be- 
thel, Staunton, and Spring creek, on the east side of the 
Great Miami river, and Washington, Concord, Monroe, 
Union, Newton, and Newbury on the west. It was first 
settled by John Knoop from Pennsylvania, and Shadrach 
Hudson from New Jersey, in 1799. 

Describe Monroe county. 

Monroe county is bounded by Washington south, Mor- 
gan west, Guernsey northwest, Belmont north, and the 
Ohio river, separating it from Ohio county, Va. east. — 
Length from east to west, 36 miles; mean breadth 16. 

The central part of this hilly but fertile county is a real 
table land, from which Sunfish creek flows eastward into 
Ohio river. Little Muskingum southward also into Ohio 
river, but by a southwest course over Washington coun- 
ty. Chief town, Woodsfl eld. 

Monroe county has the following townships : Centre, 
Eik, Enoch, Franklin, Greene, Jackson, Malaga, Ohio, 
Perry, Salem, Seneca. Sunbury, Switzerland, Union, and 
Wayne. 

Mines of stone coal, and iron ore have been found and 
are likely to be a source of profit. 

Describe Montgomery county. 

Montgomery county is bounded by Warren'southeast, 
Butler southwest, Preble west, Darke northwest, Miami 
north, Clarke northeast, and Greene east. Length 24 
miles, mean breadth 20. 

19* 



222 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM. 

The main stream of the Great Miami receives Mad river 
in the northeast part of this county at Dayton, the seat of 
justice, from whence the Miami canal commences. The 
general course of the Great Miami, and the slope of. the 
county, is to the south-southwest. The surface is finely 
diversified by hill and dale, and sc il fertile. 

Its townships are, (beginning on the north,) Wayne, 
Dayton, Washington, and Miami, on the east side of the 
Miami river, and Butler, Randolph, Clay, Perry, Madison, 
Jefferson, Jackson, and German on the west, 
j Describe Morgan county. 

Morgan county is bounded southeast by Washington* 
Athens southwest, Perry west, Muskingum northwest, 
Guernsey northeast, and Monroe east. Length, 32 miles, 
mean breadth 18. Slopes south southeast, and is travers- 
ed in that direction by the Muskingum river. Surface 
moderately hilly, and soil fertile. Chief town, MacCon- 
neJlsville. 

Morgan county contains the following townships : — 
Brookfield, Noble, Olive, Olivegreen, Centre, Manchester, 
Bristol, Meigsville, Windsor, Penn, Morgan, Bloom, Union* 
Deerfield, and York, 

Describe Muskingum county. 

Muskingum county is bounded by Morgan county south 
east and south, Perry southwest, Licking west, Coshoc- 
ton north, and Guernsey east. Length, 27 miles ; mean 
breadth, 26. It is traversed from north to south, and ve- 
ry nearly equally divided by Muskingum river. Surface 
moderately hilly, and soil fertile. Principal town, Zanes- 
vilie. 

The northwestern angle is traversed by the Ohio and 
Erie canal, and in the opposite direction the U. S. road 
passes over at the greatest breadth. 

Muskingum county is divided into the *following town- 
Ships : Zamesville, Washington, Perry Salem, Adams 



OF OHIO. 223 

Madison, Monroe, Highland, Union, Richhill, Meigs, Blue- 
rock, Saltcreek, Brushcreek, Newton, Springfield, Falls, 
Hopewell, Licking, Muskingum, Jefferson and Jackson on 
the west. Bluerock, however, is divided by the river 
which runs across it from north to south. 

In numerous places adjacent to and in the bed of the 
valley of the Muskingum river, are extensive and almost 
inexhaustible beds of stone coal. A peculiar kind of clay, 
suitable for crucibles, for the manufacture of glass, is here 
lound. The uncommon natural advantages for mills or 
factories, to be propehed either by water or steam, which 
concentrate in and about Zanesville, combine to render 
this an important point in the state. 

Describe Paulding county. 

Paulding is a western county, bounded north by Wil- 
liams, east by Henry and Wood, south by Vanwert, and 
on the west by the state of Indiana. It is 24 miles long 
from east to west, by 13 broad from north to south. It is 
watered by the Maumee and Auglaize rivers. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Perry county ? 

A. Perry county is bounded by Athens south, Hocking 
southwest, Fairfield west, Licking north, Muskingum N- 
east, and Morgan east and southeast. Length north to S. 
23 miles, mean breadth 18. It is a table land, between the 
valleys of Hockhociung and Muskingum rivers, and from 
which creeks of the former flow west and southwest, and 
o[ the latter north and northeast. The surface is in most 
parts hilly, and in several mineral coal has been found. 

It is found to be excellent for the production of wheat. 
It is diveded into the following townships : Bearfield, Clay- 
ton, Harrison, Hopewell, Jackson, Madison, Monday 
creek, Monroe, Pike, Readings Saltlick, and Thorn. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Pickaway county ? 

A. Pickaway, a fertile interior county, bounded on the 
NL by Franklin, east by Fairfield, south by Ross, west by 
Fayette, and Madison counties. It is 22, by 21 miles in. 



224 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECIIIS.il 

extent, containing 421 square miles. It is divided into 
the following townships: Harrison, Addison. Walnut. 
Washington, Pickaway, and Salt creek east of Scioto riv- 
er,and Scioto, Jackson, Wayne, Deer creek, Perry, Mon- 
roe, and Darby on the west. A considerable portion of 
the land is of a very superior quality, particularly that on 
the eastern side of Scioto river, and produces immense 
quantities of the different kinds of grain. The plain land 
equals, and perhaps exceeds any other land in. the west- 
ern country, for the production of wheat, generally pro- 
ducing from 40 to 45 bushels per acre of the best, quality 
The prairies are best for corn and grass, and the barrens 
produce excellent pasture. Scioto river runs from north 
to south nearly through the middle of this county. The 
other principal streams are Lower Walnut, Darby and 
Deer creeks. The Ohio and Erie canal runs entirely a- 
cross this county, from north to south. From the north- 
ern limits, it pass along the valley of the Scioto river, so 
far as Circleviile ; where it crosses on a splendid aque- 
duct, and then follows the western side of the river, for 
the remaining distance. County seat, Circleviile, with 
a population of 1,136. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Pike county? 

A. Pike county is bounded south by Scioto, Adams S. 
west, Highland west, Ross north, and Jackson east. 
Lenghth from east to west 32 miles, mean width IS. It is 
traversifled in a S. S. west course by Scioto river; soi] 
productive in grain, fruits and meadow grasses. Chief 
town Piketon. It is divided into the following townships : 
Camp creek, Beaver, Jackson, Mifflin, Peepee, Pebble, 
Perry, Seal, and Sunflsh. 
, Q. What are the boundaries, &e. of Portage county ? 

A. Portage county is bounded southeast by Columbi- 
ana ; Stark south ; Medina west ; Cuyahoga northwest ; 
Geauga north; and Trumbull northeast. The greatest 



OF OHIO. 225 

length 30 miles is from east to west ; breadth 24, and area 
750 square miles ; latitude 41° 12', longitude Washington 
City 4° 20' west. This county is a true table land be- 
tween the valleys of Big Beaver and Cuyahoga rivers. 
The southwestern angle also giving source to Tuscara- 
was river or the northeastern constituent of Muskingum 
river. 

The arable surface of Portage county exceeds a mean 
of 1,000 feet above tide water in the Atlantic, or rather 
more than an equivalent to two degrees of latitude. The 
surface is rather level, and in part deficient in good foun- 
tain water. The soil moderately fertile. The Ohio and 
Erie canal traverses this county in its greatest breadth 
and near the western border ; and within it is the summit 
level of that work, 973 feet above the Atalntic tides. Chief 
town Ravenna, 

Q. What are the boundaries &c. of Preble county ? 

A. Preble county is bounded north by Darke, Montgom- 
ery east Butler south, Union, Indiana southwest, and 
Wayne, Indiana northwest. Length from south to north 
24 miles, breath 18, and area 432 square miles. Latitude 
39° 45' longitude Washington City 7° 40' west. General 
slope southeast, and drained in that direction by St. Clair 
and Franklin creeks branches of Great Miami. The soil 
productive. Chief town Eaton. 

This county was so called after Commodore Preb.'e, 
who had a few years previously, distinguished himself in 
the war against Tripoli. Iron ore is abundantly found in 
this county. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Putnam county ? 

A. Putnam county is bounded south by Allen, Vanwert 
southwest, Paulding northwest, Henry north, and Han- 
cock east. Length 24 miles, width 24, and area 576 sq. 
miles. Latitude 41°, and longitude 7° west intersect in 
this county. The general slope northwest, the whole sur- 



226 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM. 

face, with a very small exception, being in the vallley of 
Au Giaize river. Chief town Sugar Grove. It is a new 
settlement. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Richland county ? 
A. Richland county is bounded south by Knox, Marion 
southwest, Crawford west, Huron north, Lorain northeast, 
Wayne east, and Holmes southeast. It is a square of 30 
miles ; area 900 square miles. Latitude 40° 46', longi- 
tude 5° 33' west Washington City. The northern border 
extending along north latitude 40°, and also along the 
summit ridge between the valley of Ohio and that of Erie 
merely gives source to creeks flowing towards the latter. 
The northwestern angle gives source to the higher foun- 
tains of Sandusky, and along the western border rise the 
extreme sources of Scioto river. Though two sides are 
thus drained, the body of the county including at least 
seven-eights of its surface, is drained by, and gives source 
to, Mohiccon branch of White Woman's river, and slopes 
to the southeast. It is a comparatively elevated and lev- 
el table land, which when compared with the known 
height, 768 feet of the water level at Coshocton, at the 
mouth of White Woman's river, the table land of Rich- 
land county must be 1,000 feet above the Atlantic tides. 
The soil is generally good. Chief town Mansfield. 

Q- What are the boundaries, &c. of Ross county ? 

A. Ross county is bounded on the south by Pike, south- 
west Highland, northwest Fayette, north Pickaway, north- 
east Hocking, and southeast Jackson. Length from east 
to west 34 miles, mean breadth 22, and area 650 square 
miles. Latitude 39° 20', and longitude Washington City 
6° west, intersect near Chillicothe and near the centre of 
this county, and near the same point the Scioto river re- 
ceives from the west Paint creek. The former traversing 
the county in a S. S. E. direction. It is also traversed in 
all its breadth by the Ohio and Erie canal, which follows 



OF OHIO. 227 

the right or western bank of Scioto. The face of the co. 
is peculiarly and finely diversified. Soil productive. Chief 
town Chillicothe. 

Q. What are the boundaries, <&c. of Sandusky county ? 
A. Sandusky is bounded on the north by Lake Erie, 
east by Huron county, south by Seneca, and on the west 
by Wood county. It is 30 miles long from east to west 
and 25 broad from north to south. The southern section 
slopes to the north, but towards the centre, all the streams 
which traverse its surface, curve in common to north- 
east. There are tracts of good land in Sandusky, but the 
general features of its surface are low, and it is conse- 
quently wet. The asperity of soil is shown by its pro- 
gressive population, which was in 1820 852; in 1830, 2,- 
851. County town is Lower Sandusky. It is divided in- 
to the following townships : Ballville, Bay, Groghan, 
Green creek, Hams, Portage, Riley, Sandusky, Townsend, 
and York. 
Q. AVhat are the boundaries, &c. of Scioto county } 
A. Scioto county is bounded by Adams west, Pike X, 
Jackson northeast, Lawrence east, and Ohio, river separa- 
ting it from Greenup county Kentucky south, and Lewis 
county Kentucky, southwest. Length from east to west 
34 miles, mean breadth 15. It is divided into two not un- 
equal sections by Scioto river which traverses it from N. 
to south. The general slope is southward ; surface hilly, 
and soil tolerably fertile. Chief town Portsmouth. It is divi- 
ded into the foiowing townships : Bloom, Vernon, Green, 
Porter, Madison, Jefferson, Clay, Wayne, Morgan, Union, 
Washington, Brush creek and Nile. 

Q,. What are the boundaries, &c. of Seneca county } 
A. Seneca county is bounded by Crawford south, Han- 
cock southwest, Wood northwest, Sandusky north, and 
Huron east. Length from east to west 32 miles, breadth 
20. Sandusky river traverses this county flowing north- 



228 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

ward. The gensral slope is of course in that direction, 
but from the southwest angle issues the extreme fountains 
of Blanchard's branch of Au Glaize river. Chief town 
Tiffin. 

It is divided into the following townships: Adams, 
Bloom, Clinton, Eden, Reed, Fort Seneca, Thompson, Sen- 
eca, Scipio, Hopewell, and Venice. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Shelby county ? 

A. Shelby county is bounded by Miami county south, 
Dark county southwest, Mercer northwest, Allen north, 
Logan northeast, and Champaign southeast. It is about 
20 miles each side. 

The extreme sources of Saint Mary's and Au Gluize 
rivers rise on the northwestern and northern borders, 
but the much greater part slopes southward, and gives 
source to Great Miami river. The extreme higher sour- 
ces of Wabash rise also in Mercer county, very near the 
northwestern angle of Shelby. The latter comprises, 
therefore, a part of the high and fiat table land of Ohio. 
Chief town Sidney. 

It is divided into the following townships : Clinton, 
Cynthian, Grayson, Green, Lormie, Orange, Pery, Salem, 
and Turtle creek. 

Q. What are the boundaries «fcc. of Stark county ? 

A. Stark county is bounded by Jefferson southeast, 
Tuscarawas south, Holmes south west, Wayne west, Me- 
diana northwest, Portage north, and Columbiana east. 
Length along the eastern border 33 miles, mean breadth 
25. The extreme source of Big Beaver rises in the north 
east angle of this county, but the far greater part of the 
surface is drained by the Tuscarawas and its branches : 
general slope southward. The main volume of Tuscara- 
was crosses the county from north to south nearly, along 
the valley of which }he Ohio and Erie canal has been con- 
structed. 






OF OHIO. 229 

The level of the canal at Massillon, near the the middle 
of the county is 942 feet above tide water ; the whole ar- 
able surface no doubt exceeding a mean of 1,000 feet of 
similar extent of comparative height. The soil is fertile in 
grain, pasturage and fruit. Chief town Canton. 

It is divided into the following townships: Lexington, 
Paris, Washington, Brown, Harrison, Rase, Sandy, Osna- 
burg, Pike, Nimishillen, Marlborough, Canton, Plain, Lake, 
Green, Jackson, Perry, Bethlehem, Sugar creek, Tuscara- 
was, Lawrence, and Franklin. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Trumbull county ? 

A. Trumbull county is bounded south by Columbiana, 
southwest and west Portage, northwest Geauga, north 
Ashtabula, northeast Crawford, Pennsylvania, and 
east and southeast Mercer county Pennsylvania. Length 
36 miles, breadth 25. Slope southeastward and drained 
by the Mahoning or western constiuent of Big Beaver, 
and its branches. The soil is generally good. Chief town 
Warren. 

It is divided into the following townships: Kinsman, 
Vernon, Hartfood, Brookfield, Hubbard, Coitsville, Po- 
land, Broadman, Lordstown, Liberty, Vienna, Towler, 
Johnston, Gustavus, Green, Mecca, Bazetta, Howland* 
Weathers field, Austintown, Canfield, Ellsworth, Jackson, 
Lordstown, Warren, Bristol Bloomfield, Mesopotamia, 
Farmington, Southington, Bruceville Newton, Berlin, and 
Milton. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Tuscarawas coun- 
ty ? 

A. Tuscarawas county is bounded by Harrison, east 
and southeast, Guernsey south, Coshocton southwest, 
Holmes northwest, and Stark north. Length from south 
to north 30 miles, mean breadth 23. 

The slope of the northern part is to the south, but in- 
flects with the course of Tuscarawas river, which in the 
20 



230 GEORAPGHICAL CATECHISM 

southern parth of the county bends to the southwest by 
west. Tuscarawas river enters at the extreme northern 
angle, and flowing south and thence inflecting gradually 
to the S. S. west divides it into two nearly equal sections, 
and has long its entire course the Ohio and Erie canal. 
The level of the canal near the centre of this county is 
874 feet above the canal level ; the arable soil averages 
from about 850 to above 1,000 feet of similar relative 
height. Chief town New Philadelphia. 

It is divided into the following townships : Bucks, Clay, 
Dohrmon, Dover, Fairfield, Goshen, Lawrence, Oneleg, 
Oxford, Perry, Rush, Salem, Sandy, Sugar creek, Warren, 
Warwick, Washington, Wayne, and York. 

This county has abundant supplies of iron ore and 
stone coal which promise wealth to adventurers. 

Q. What aie the boundaries, &c. of Union county ? 

A. Union county is bounded by Franklin south east, 
Madison south, Champaign southwest, Logan west, Har- 
din northwest, Marion northeast, and Delaware east. 
Length 27 miles, breadth \7. 

Slope southeastward, and drained by numerous conflu- 
ent creeks of the Scioto river. Chief town Marysviile. 

It is divided into the following townships : Allen, Darby, 
Jackson, Jerome, Leesburg, Liberty, Mill creek, Paris, 
and Union. 
t Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Vanwert county / 

A. Vanwert county is bounded north by Paulding east 
by Putnam and Allen, south by Mercer, and west by the 
state of Indiana. It is 24 miles long by 18 broad. 

It was named in honor of Van Wert one of the three 
men who captured Major Andre. It was constituted by 
name and boundaries in February 1820 : but was not or- 
ganized at the period of our information. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Warren county ? 

A. Warren county is bounded by Clermont, southwest 



OF OHIO. 231 

by Hamilton, Butler west, Montgomery northwest, Greene 
northeast, and Clinton east. Length 24 miles, mean 
width 

The Miami river and canal cross the northwest angle 
of this county; whilst the central parts are traversed by 
Little Miami. The course of both rivers, and the slope 
of the county to the southeast. Surface rolling and soil 
excellent. Besides at Lebanon, the county seat, there 
were in 1S30. post offices at Deerfieldville, Edwardsville, 
Franklin, Hopkinsville, Kirkwood, Red Lion, Ridgeville, 
Rochester, Springboro', Twenty Mile Stand, and Way- 
nesviile. Lebanon postville and seat of justice for this coun- 
ty, is situated near the centre of the county 31 miles N. 
east Cincinnati, and by post road 83 miles southwest by 
Columbus. 

It is divided into the following townships: Wayne, 
Washington, Salem, Hamilton, Deerfield, Union, Turtle 
creek, Clear creek and Franklin. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Washington coun- 
ty ? 

A. Washington county is bounded by Athens south- 
west and west, Morgan northwest, Monroe northeast, 
Ohio river separating it from Tyler county Virginia east, 
and from Wood county Virginia south. Length on the 
northern border along Monroe and Morgan counties 50 
miles. It lies in a wide resemblance to a triangle, mean 
breadth 15. 

The slope is southward towards the Ohio river. The 
Muskingum enters the north western angle, and winding 
thence eastward to near the centre of the county, inflects 
to the south and falls into the Ohio river at Marietta. 
The surface of this county is generally very hilly, but 
soil productive. By the post list of 1831, besides at Mari- 
etta, the county seat, there were offices at Pelpre, Bent's, 
Brown's Mills, Carroll, Fearing, Little Hockhocking, Low- 



232 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

er Salem, Newport, Point Harmer, Waterford, Water- 
town, and Wesley. 

It is divided into the following townships : Adams. Au- 
relius, Barlow, Belpre, Decatur, Fearing, Grand view, 
Lawrence, Ludlow, Marietta, Newport, Roxbury, Salem, 
Union, Warren, Waterford, Watertown, and Wesley. 
; Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Wayne county ? 

A. Wayne county is bounded by Stark east, Holmes 
south, Richland west, Lorain northwest, Medina north. 
Length from east to west 30 miles, mean breadth 24. 

Slope southward, and drained by numerous branches 
of Tuscarawas, Kilbuck, and Mohiccon rivers. The N. 
ern border approaches very near the dividing summit lev- 
el between the waters of Ohio river and lake Erie. It is 
comparatively an elevated tract, being upwards of 500 ft. 
above lake Erie at a mean, and the arable surface exceed- 
ing 1,000 feet above the Atlantic tides. Chief town Woo- 
ster. 

It is divided into the following townships : Baughman, 
Canaan, Chester, Chippewa, Clinton, Congress, East Uni- 
on, Franklin, Green, Jackson, Lake, Milton, Mohican, 
Paint, Perry, Plain, Salt creek, Sugar creek, Wayne, and 
Wooster. 

Q,. What are the boundaries, &c. of Williams county? 
A. Williams county is bounded by Henry east, Pauld- 
ing south, the state of Indiana west, Hillsdale county 
Michigan north, and Lenawee county Michigan northeast. 
Length from south to north 37 miles, breadth 24. 

Slope southward, and in that direction traversed by St. 
Joseph's and Tiffin's rivers, branches of Maumee. Chief 
town, Defiance. 

It is divided into the following townships : Crane, Da- 
mascus, Defiance, Delaware, Jennings, Perry, and Rich^ 
land. 



OF OHIO. 



233 



Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Wood county ? 

A. Wood county is bounded by Sandusky, on the east, 
Seneca southeast, Hancock south, Henry west, Lenawee 
county Michigan, northwest, and Monroe county Mich- 
igan, north. It is a parallelogram of the same length and 
breadth, as the adjacent county of Henry, 32 by 27 miles 
from south to north. 

Slope southeastward, and traversed in that direction by 
Portage, river, to the southeast, and Maumee northwest. 
Chief town, Perrysburg. 

It is divided into the following townships : Waterville, 
Waynesfield, and Weston. 
Describe .lledina* county. 

Medina county is bounded north by Lorain and Cuya- 
hoga, south by Wayne and Richland, east by Portage, and 
west by Huron. Length, 24 miles ; mean breadth, 24. 

The county contains the townships of Bath, Brunswick. 
Copley, Granger, Guilford, Harrisville, Hinckly, Liverpool, 
Medina, Montville, Norton, Richfield, Wadsworth, and 
Westfleld. 

Q. Can you give a description of the cities or towns of 
Ohio ? 

A. To enter upon a minute description, or even name all 
these, would much exceed the bounds of this work. 
Q. Can you give a descriptive sketch of Cincinnati ? 

A. Cincinnati, city of Ohio, and seat of justice for Ham- 
ilton county situated on the right bank of Ohio river, by 
post read 597 miles ( differing only 13' of latitude) from 
due west from Washington 112 miles southwest by west 
from Columbus, and 79 a little east ot north Frankfort,Ken- 



* The description of Medina county should have been inserted on- 
page 220, but through the carelessness of the compositor was omitted. 

20* 



234 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

tucky Latitude 39° 06', longitude 7° 32' west Washington 
City according to Tanner's map of the United State but 
7° 24' 45" according to Flint. The position of Cincinnati 
is admirable. It stands on two plains or bottoms of the 
Ohio, the higher elevated about 60 feet above the lower, 
with a rather steep intermediate bank. To an eye in the 
vicinity, placed on elevated ground, the city seems to oc- 
cupy the centre and base of an immense basin, the view 
being in every direction terminated by swelling hills. The 
streets, laid out at right angles to each other, present an 
endless, though rather monotonous variety of landcape. 

Fourteen of the streets are 6Q feet wide, and 396 apart ; 
7 extending each way and crossing the other 7. Thus the 
intermediate squares comprise 156,816 square feet. 

The public buildings already erected occupy 1 square 
and a fraction of another ; and that part of the city built 
upon, approaches the form of a parallelogram. 

The public buildings are, the Cincinnati college, Catho- 
lic athenaeum, medical college, the mechanics institute, a 
theatre, two museums, hospital, and lunatic asylum, Uni- 
ted States branch bank, court house, prison, 4 market 
houses, a bazaar, and the Woodward high school, a fine 
house. 

Of churches there are 26 of which several are fine 
buildings, 3 banks. Commercial bank, capital $500,000, 
and savings bank ; there are 3 insurance companies, be- 
longing to the city, with two branches of companies at 
Hartford, Connecticut. 

A water company supplies the city with water from Ohio 
river. It is elevated by steam power to the height of 158 
feet above low water mark in the river, and flowing into 
reservoirs, is thence distributed over the city, at an annu- 
al expense of $8 per family at an average. 

The public prints are 20 comprising, one Quarterly Me- 
dical Journal, one Monthly Magazine, one Monthly Agri- 



OF OHIO. 235 

cultural Journal, two semi monthly, two semi weekly, 
10 weekly, and three daily gazettes. Thirty-two mails 
arrive weekly. There are two fire companies, 34 chari- 
table and 27 religious societies. 

The progressive population ot this city is perhaps une- 
qualled on a region where rapid advance is every where 
remarkable. It was laid out in January, 1787, but until 
after the treaty of Greenville, 1795, progressed but slow- 
ly. In 1810, the total population was 2,540, 1820, 9642, 
and in 1826, 16,230. By a very accurate enumeration in 
1831, 28,014, with afloating population, not included, of 
1,500, making the total at this time (1836) more than 36,- 
000. By the census tables for 1830, the population of Cin- 
cinnati was composed of white males, 12,495 ; white fe- 
males, 11,256; free colored males, 528, and females, 562 : 
total 24,831. 

This city, second only in population to New Orleans, 
amongst the western cities of the United States, has al- 
ready become the seat of immense and increasing manu- 
factures, of almost every species known in our country. 
Of steamboats 111 have been built here. 

The iron manufactures include nearly every article ot 
that metal demanded by a civilized and active population, 
Cabinet, hatting, shoe and boot making, saddlery, &c. 

The imports of the city are supposed to exceed $6,000, 
000, and by a recent estimate, the exports of 1835 exceed 
34,500,000. There was transported to the city during one 
year by the Miami canal 97,578 barrels flour, 40,455 bar- 
rels whiskey, 19,758 barrels pork, 30,960 kegs, and 1,156 
barrels of lard, 1,877,240 pounds of bacon, 53,539 pounds 
of butter and 99 barrels of linseed oil, including ginseng, 
leathers, beeswax, tallow, beans, pot and pearl ashes, 
cheese, &c. &c., and it was also estimated that at least as 
great an amount of produce was brought to the city by 
wagons, and the river, during the same period. Among 



236 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

the article exported it was estimated that $1,000,000 con- 
sisted of steam engines, steam boat hulls, sugar mills, 
hats, cabinet- ware, candles, soap, type, printing presses, 
beer, porter, coopers' ware, cordage, books, and articles 
not mentioned, which are mostly sent down the Ohio. 

About 45 manufacturing establishments are propelled 
by steam. Revenue of the city 1831, was $35,231, and 
expenditure was $33,858. Business is the chief object of 
this young city, but education has not been neglected. 
The Lane Seminary, now a flourishing institution, is lo- 
cated about 2 miles from the city, at Walnut Hills-. 

The president is professor of theology, beside which 
professorship, there are 4 others, 1 of church history and 
polity, 1 of biblical literature, 1 of languages and 1 of 
chemistry. A building for the purpose of the institution, 
100 feet long and 40 deep, was commenced in 1832, and is 
now completed ; cost estimated at $8,000. 

There are 2 departments in this institution, theological 
and literary ; expences at the former per annum, includ- 
ing board, (tuition gratis) $60 at the latter school, includ- 
ing tuition, $80. A farm is connected with the seminary. 
The medical college of Ohio, located here, has G profes- 
sorships, and another has recently commenced called the 
Reformed medical college. 

There are 29 public teachers of free schools, who give 
instruction to 4,000 children annually. The private 
schools are numerous; and many of them very respecta- 
ble. Mr. Flint states that 450 substantial buildings have 
been added to city yearly, for the last three years. 
Q. can you now give a sketch of Columbus ? 
A. Columbus, post town and seat of justice for Frank- 
lin county and seat of the state government of Ohio. Lat- 
itude 39° 57', longitude 6° west and distance 330 (by p-r, 
396) miles from Washington City. Flint gives its rela- 
tive position 551 miles from New York, 477 from Philadel- 



OF OHIO. 237 

phia, 755 from Boston, 429 from Baltimore, 991 from New 
Orleans, 377 from Nashville, and i 12 from Cincinnati. It 
is 216 miles almost exactly due south, from Detroii. It is 
seated on the eastern or left bank of Scioto river, immedi- 
ately below the influx of Whetstone river, the site being 
a gentle acclivity from the stream. 

In the spring of 1812, the ground on which this now 
flourishing town stands, was a wilderness. By the cen- 
sus of 1830, the population was then 2,435. It contains a 
state house on, a public square, of brick, 75 by 50 feet 
with a cupola 106 feet high, a building for public offices 
100 by 25 feet ; the necessary county buildings, peniten- 
tiary numerous and respectable private schools, and a 
classical academy, four printing offices, market-house, 
and an asylum for the deaf and dumb. A canal of 1 1 
miles connects this place with the Ohio and Erie canal. 

There are 6 or 7 places of public worship, and from 360 
to 390 dwelling houses. The relative position of this town 
being very near the physical centre of the state, almost 
ensures its permanence as the seat of state government 
and having a navigable canal to unite it with the Ohio 
river and lake Erie, give stability to commercial prosper- 
ity. 

Q. Can you describe Chillicothe ? 

A. Chillicothe is a post town, and capitol of Ross coun- 
ty. It is handsomely situated on the west bank of the 
Scioto river, in Scioto township, 45 miles in a direct line* 
and 70 according to its various meanderings, from its 
mouth. It is situated on the western border of an exten- 
sive and fertile plain of about 10,000 acres. The scite of 
the town is a level, elevated, alluvial plain, about 35 or 40 
feet above low water mark in the river. The Scioto river 
washes the northern limits of the town; while Paint creek 
winds along its southern verge, the two streams being 
here about three-fourths of a mile distant from each other. 



238 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

The plan and situation of Chillicothe nearly resembles 
that of Philadelphia : the Scioto river and Paint creek 
representing in this case the Delaware and Schuylkill ri- 
vers. 

The principal streets of Chillicothe run parallel with 
the course of the river at the town, and are crossed at 
right angles by others, which extend from the river to 
the creek. The main streets which cross each other at 
the centre of the town, are 99 feet wide, and all the 
others are 66. The regular in-lots are 99*feet in front, 
extending back 198 feet to alleys 12£ feet wide. 

The town was laid out in 1796, and contained in 1832, 
2,827 inhabitants. It has three printing offices, each pub- 
lishing weekly papers ; 1 bank, and between 30 and 40 
mercantile, and two medical stores. Here are also a num- 
ber of cotton spinning factories, a rope walk, several 
flourishing mills, including one of steam power. Also, 
an oil mill, fulling mill, several saw mills, and a paper 
mill. 

Among the public buildings are a Presbyterian, Metho- 
dist, Seceder, and Episcopal churches ; an academy, court* 
house, jail, and large stone market house. The market, 
which is held on Wednesdays and Saturdays, is well sup- 
plied with the various productions of the country. From 
the summit of a hill, rising very abruptly on the west end 
of the town, to the perpendicular elevation of 300 feet, is 
a most delightful view of the town and circumjacent 
country; interspersed , alternately, with woods and ver- 
dant lawns, among which the Scioto river and Grand ca- 
nal romantically meander in their way to the Ohio. 

The improvements of the town have been nearly sta. 

tionary for several years past ; but the construction of 

the Ohio Grand canal through it, has given new life and 

activity to its business end improvements. 

In the midst of this town formerly stood one of the most 



OF OHIO . ». 039 

interesting mounds, of the cone shaped forms. In levelling 
it for the purpose of building lots, there were discovered 
great quantities of human bones. Chillicothe is 55 miles 
south of Columbus, 75 northeast from Maysville, Ky., and 
93 N. E. from Cincinnati. 

Q. Can you give a description of Cleaveland ? 

A. Cleaveland is situated on the southern shore of lake 
Erie, and is the county town of Cuyahoga county. Its 
position is at the mouth of Cuyahoga river. During the 
late war it was a depot of provisions ; and a place where 
many boats and lake crafts were built; and it is a 
noted place of embarkation on the lake. Here the Great 
Ohio canal connects with the lake, and passes through 
the central parts of Ohio, preserving for some distance, a 
course parallel to the Scioto ; and finally connecting with 
the Ohio near the mouth of that river. It is the interme- 
diate town between Buffalo and Cincinnati, and the de_ 
pot of the vast amounts of merchandize destined east and 
west. It cannot fail of soon becoming an important town. 
It is distant 130 miles westward from Pittsburg, and 150 N. 
easterly from Columbus. 

CJ. Can you describe Zanesville ? 

A. Zanesville is a flourishing inland town, and seat of 
justice for the county of Muskingum ; containing an ele 
gant courthouse and public offices, two glass factories, 3 
printing offices, several churches for Presbyterians, Bap- 
tists, Methodists, Catholics, &c, and many neat dwellings. 

The Muskingum river connects it to the northwest with 
the Ohio canal, and below with the Ohio river at Ma- 
rietta. 

Zanesville is becoming an extensive manufacturing 
town ; at the falls, which afford great water power, are 
a number of flour, saw, rolling and oil mills, and a nail 
.and woollen factory. 

This town is, however, limited in size, containing but 



240 * GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

little more than a square mile. It is situated on the east 
bank of the Muskingum river in a township of the same 
name. It is 74 miles westerly from Wheeling, in Va., 60 
northwesterly from Marietta, 70 northeast from Chilli- 
cothe, and 58 east from Columbus. 

The great national road from Cumberland to, and 
through the western states passes directly through this 
town. 

Q. Can you give a description of Steubenville ? 

A. Steubenville is the seat of justice for Jefferson co., 
and is situated on the west bank of the Ohio. It was 
laid out with great regularity in 1798, and is in the cen- 
tre of a rich and populous country. The town was in- 
corporated in 1805, with city privileges. It contains 3 
churches, an academy, a handsome market house, a wool- 
len factory, a steam paper mill, a flour mill, and cotton 
factory. 

A manufacturing spirit is increasing, and new estab- 
lishments are in progress, and in contemplation. Mercan- 
tile business flourishes here, likewise the mechanical arts, 
in an eminent degree. Its distance is 38 miles southwest 
from Pittsburg, 25 northeast from St. Clairsville, and 150 
northeast from Columbus. 

Q,. Can you give a description of Circleville ? 

A. Circleville is the county town of Pickaway county. 
It is situated on the east branch of the Scioto river. In 
limits of the town are two Indian mounds, the one square 
and the other circular. The town derives its name from 
being chiefly built on the limits of the circular mound. 
These mounds are among the most interesting in the 
western country. The great road leading from Chilli- 
cothe runs directly across the middle of the circles from 
north to south ; and this is again crossed in the centre by 
Another street running due east and west. In the centre 
of the circle, at the point of intersection of these streets, 



OF OHIO. 241 

is erected an elegant brick octagonal courthouse, 55 feet 
in diameter, which makes a conspicuous appearance. — 
Near the courthouse, on the north, is a small market- 
house ; on the southwestern side of the circle, and imme- 
diately adjoining, is a conical hill, or eminence, over- 
looking the whole town. 

Just beneath the brow of a hill bounding the plain, on 
the north, upon which the town is built, runs Hagar's 
creek, a small but valuable mill stream. 

Circleville, central to a great extent of fertile soil, must 
become of importance. It has recently exhibited a rapid 
progress. Its distance south of Columbus, is 20 miles 
north of Chillecothe 19 miles, and west of Lancaster 20 
miles. 

Q. Can you give a description of Dayton? 
A. Dayton is the chief town of Montgomery county, 
and is charmingly situated on the eastern bank ^of the 
Great Miami, just below the confluence of Mad River, 
near where the Miami canal connects with the Miami c 
The waters of Mad river are artificially conducted from 
that river to the Miami, so as to afford a great number of 
mill seats. 

No town in the state possesses more extensive water 
privileges ; which are partly occupied by a number of 
saw mills, grist mills, cotton factories, and various sorts 
of machinery moved by water power. 

The striking increase of its prosperity is owing to its 
being the terminating point of the Miami canal, connect- 
ing it with Cincinnati. It is central to a rich and popu- 
lous agricultural country, the trade of which this town 
commands. It is expected that the canal will be continued 
to lake Erie. 

Dayton is situated 68 miles southwest from Columbus, 
and fifty-two by land, and 67 by the canal from Cincin- 
nati. 

21 



242 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

4 Qi What is the situation of Athens ? 

A. Athens is situated on an elevated bluff in a bend of 
Hockhocking, in a position equally beautiful and healthy. 
It is the county town of Athens county. It is notable as 
the location of the Ohio University. The funds, the libra- 
ry, and philosophical apparatus are respectable ; and it 
promises to be an institution of great utility to the inter- 
ests of the state. 

The town of Athens is situated 52 miles northwesterly 
from Marietta, and 160 northeasterly from Columbus. 

Q,. What can you say of the Internal Improvements of 
Ohio ? 

A. The people of the state of Ohio possess in a good 
degree the spirit of some of her sister states in this re- 
spect ; and may in a few years vie with her competitors. 
There are already five considerable turnpikes, besides 
many shorter ones. The length of the first is 16 miles ; 
of the second 48; of the third 51; of the fourth 106; this 
connects Sandusky with Columbus. The fifth is the Mc- 
Adamized road leading from Cincinnati to the interior. 
The national road is McAdamized in the best possible 
manner. 

Q. What can yon say of Canals ? 

A. The Grand Canal, connecting Lake Erie and the 
Ohio passes nearly through the centre of the state from 
Cleaveland on the lake to Portsmouth on the Ohio. It is 
doubtless now complete, and in full operation. This won- 
derful work of uniting the waters of the Mississippi and 
Atlantic, has already imparted a new aspect to the coun- 
try through which it passes, and has in many places 
quadrupled the value of the land near its course. 

The Miami canal, 67 miles in length, connects Cincin- 
nati with Dayton. These noble and beautiful modes of 
conveyance will soon supercede the draught of beasts of 



OF OHIO. 243 

burden, on deep and muddy roads, in all practicable di- 
rections. 

Surveys have been made, and grants of land from the 
General Government obtained for continuing the Dayton 
canal to lake Erie. It traverses the counties of Scioto, 
Pike, Ross, Pickaway, Franklin, Fairfield, Licking, Musk- 
ingum, Coshocton, Tuscarawas, Stark, Cuyahoga, and 
almost or altogether a boundary line between Medina 
and Portage counties. The principal places on the ca- 
nal are Akron, New Portage, Masillon, Bolivar, New Phi- 
ladelphia, Coshocton, Newark, Bloomfield, Circleville, 
Chillecothe, Piketon, and Portsmouth. Private property 
iias risen from five to ten fold along its line, 

LENGTH OF THE OHIO AND ERIE CANAL. 

Miles. 
Main trunk from Cleaveland to Portsmouth, 310 
Navigable feeder from main trunk to Columbus, 1 1 

do do do Granville, 6 

Muskingum side-cut from the Muskingum river 

at Dresden, 3 

Navigable feeder from the Tuscarawas river, 3 

Navigable feeder from the Walhonding river, 1 

334 
<£. Describe the Miami canal* 

A. The Miami canal commences at Cincinnatti, and 
extends northwardly along the valley of the Great Miami 
river ; a total distance of 67 miles. It passes the town of 
Hamilton, Middletown, Franklin, ^and Miamisburg, and 
terminates at Dayton. It has been navigated from Day- 
ton to the head of main street, Cincinnati, since the spring 
of 1829. An extension of the work is now in progress 
to be carried along the valleys of St. Mary's and Au 
Glaize rivers, and unite with the Wabash and Erie canal 
at Defiance : distance from Cincinnati about 190 miles.-* 



244 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISJ1 

Thence northeastwardly along the Maumee to its mouth 
in the western extremity of lake Erie. A grant from the 
Udited States of 300,000 acres of land to the state, on 
condition that the work should be prosecuted, has been 
accepted ; the lands have been selected, sales effected to 
the amount of $40,000, and it is expected the work will 
be commenced within the time specified by the act of 
Congress. 

Q. What can you say of the Mahoning and Bearer ca- 
nal ? 

A. This canal is in progress, though not yet construct- 
ed. The Ohio portion will leave Beaver county, Penn- 
sylvania, and continue along the valley of the Mahoning 
river to Akron, near the Portage Summit of the Ohio and 
Erie canal; 77 miles of which will be in Ohio. 
Describe Sandy creek and Little Beaver canal. 
A. This canal is also in progress by a chartered com- 
pany. It commences near the town of Bolivar, on the 
Ohio and Erie canal in Tuscarawas county, and passes 
along the line of Stark and Carroll counties, to the Little 
Beaver in Columbiana county, and from thence to the 
Ohio river. 

Q. Can you describe the Railroads of Ohio ? 
A. The Mad river and Sandusky Railroad will extend 
from Dayton, on the Miami canal, to Sandusky, through 
Springfield, Urbanna, Bellefontaine, Upper Sandusky, 
Tiffin, and down the valley of the Sandusky river to lake 
Erie. The route is remarkably favorable for locomo- 
tive power. Length, 153 miles ; estimated cost, J 1,000 
dollars per mile. The work was commenced in Septem- 
ber, 1835. 

The Erie and Ohio railroad is intended to be construct- 
ed from Ashtabula on the lake, through Warren to Wells- 
yille on the Ohio river, a distance of 90 miles. Other 
railroads are in contemplation in this state, the most iro* 






OF OHIO. 245 

portant of which is the Great Western railroad, from Bos- 
ton, by Worcester, Springfield, and Stockbridge, through 
New York, by Albany, Utica, and Buffalo, along the sum- 
mit ridge, dividing the northern from the southern wa j 
ters, through Pennsylvania and Ohio, to intersect the Wa- 
bash and Erie canal at Lafayette, in Indiana. From thence 
provision is" already made for it to pass to the eastern 
boundary of Illinois, from which a company has recent* 
\y been chartered to construct it across the state of Illi- 
nois, by Danville, Shelbyville, Hillsborough, to Alton, on 
the Mississippi. It must be a somewhat untoward cir- 
cumstance that shall prevent this splendid work from be* 
ing completed the whole length before 1850. 

The project of a railroad from Cincinnati, to Charleston 
in S. Carolina, has been entered upon with great spirit 
in the South, and in all the states more directly concerned 
in the enterprise. It will, most undoudtedly, be carried 
into effect. 

Q. What can be said of the Turnpikes of Ohio ? 

A. The state of Ohio has incorporated a number of 
turnpike companies, some of which have gone into opera- 
tion. 

The first is near the northeasternn corner of the state, 
from Pierpont through Monroe and Salem townships to 
the mouth of Conneaut creek, 16 miles long. 

The second is the Trumbull and Ashtabula turnpike, 
leading from Warren to Ashtabula, 48 miles. 

The third is from the town of Wooster, through Medi- 
na, to Cleaveland, 51 miles. 

The fourth is from Columbus to Sandusky, 10G miles, 
now in the course of construction. 

Another from Cincinnati, through Lebanon and Colum- 
bus, to Wooster, has been commenced on the McAdam- 
ized plan, but is not completed. 
21* 



246 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM. 

A McAdamized road from Cincinnati to Chillicothe is in 
progress. 

The National Road, constructed by the General Gov- 
ernment and transferred to the state, passes from Wheel- 
ing through Columbus to the Indian line. 

Q. lVaat are the Agricultural Productions of Ohio F 

B. The agricultural productions of Ohio are such as are 
common to the middle and eastern states. Indian corn, 
as in other western ststes, is a staple grain, raised with 
much ease, and in great abundance. More than 100 bu- 
shels are produced from an acre, on the rich alluvial soils 
of the bottom lands, though from 40 to 50 bushels per 
acre ought to be considered an average crop. 

The state generally has a fine soil for wheat, and flour 
is produced for exportation in great quantities. 

Rye, oats, buckwheat, barley, potatoes, melons, pump- 
kins, and all manner of garden vegetables, are cultivated 
to great perfection. 

No markets in the United States are more profusely and 
cheaply supplied with meat and vegetables, than those of 
the large towns in Ohio. 

Hemp is produced to some extent, and the choicest kinds 
of tobacco is raised and cured in some of the counties east 
of the Muskingum river. 

Fruits of all kinds are raised in great plenty, epecial- 
ly apples, which grow to a large- size, and are finely fla- 
vored. 

The vine and the mulberry have been introduced, and 
with enterprise and industry, wine and silk might easily 
be added to its ezports. 

Q. Can you gire a description of the Animals, &c. of 
Ohio? 

Bears, wolves, and deer, are still found in the unsettled 
portions of the state. The domestic animals are similar 



or onio. 247 

to other states. Swine is one of the staple productions, 
and Cincinnati has been denominated the " pork market 
of the world." 1 Other towns in the west, and in Ohio, are 
beginning to receive a share of this trade, especially along 
the lines of the Miami, and the Erie canals. 150,000 hogs 
have been slaughtered and prepared for market in one 
season in Cincinnati. About 75,000 is the present esti- 
mated number, from newspaper authority. Immense 
droves of fat cattle are sent every autumn from the Scioto 
valley and other parts of the state. They are driven to 
all the markets of the east and south. 
Q. What is the Commerce of Ohio . ; 

A. By the local position of this state, the advantages 
secured for trade, may be perceived by glancing at the 
map. The Ohio river affords it a direct intercourse with 
all the country in the valley of the Mississippi ; while by 
means of lake Erie on the north, it communicates with 
Canada and New York. 

The Ohio canal completes a line of internal navigation 
from New York to New Orleans through this state. Ohio 
enjoys the most active commerce of all the western states. 
The northern and eastern counties export to Montreal 
and New York, by the lake, great quantities of agricul- 
tural produce. But the chief of the exports are to New 
Orleans. The articles are flour, grain, pork, bacon, lard, 
whiskey, horses, and cattle. 

Q. What are the Manufactures of the State of Ohio? 

A. This state, more populous than any other in the west, 
and possessing in many respects manufacturing capa- 
bilities, has taken precedence of all the rest in manufac- 
tures. 

The principal factory for woollen goods is at Steuben- 
ville. 

A number of cotton factories are in the towns along the 
river. 



243 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

Furnaces for smelting iron ore are in operation in the 
counties bordering on the Ohio, near the mouth of the 
Scioto. 

Glass is manufactured in several towns. 

Considerable salt is made on the Muskingum below 
Zanesville, on the Scioto, and on Yellow creek above 
Steubenville. About half a million of bushels of it were 
made in the state in 1830. 

Cincinnati rivals Pittsburg in the number, variety and 
extent of its manufacturing operations. 

In every town and village through the state, mechanics' 
shops are established for the manufacture of all articles of 
ordinary use. 

In 1810, the manufactures of the State amounted to 
nearly two millions of dollars. They must now amount 
to more than triple that sum. From a single township, 
175 tons of cheese, worth twenty thousand dollars, were 
ex ported in one year. 

Q. What can you say of the state of Education in Ohio? 

A. There is a laudable zeal to advance science and ed- 
ucation here ; but it is a question if this and the other 
western states have not been too fond of multiplying col- 
leges, or small institutions so called, to the neglect of com- 
mon schools. 

Charters for eight or ten colleges and collegiate institu- 
tions have been granted. Congress has granted 92,800 
acres of public land to this state for colleges and acade- 
mies. One township, (23,040 acres,) and a very valuable 
one, has been given to the Miami University, at the Ox- 
ford. Two townships of land, (46,080 acres,) though of 
inferior quality, have been given to the Ohio University. 
Academies have been established in most of the principal 
towns. 

A common school system has been established by the 
legislature. Each township has been divided into school 



OF OHIO. 249 

districts. Taxes are levied to the amount of three-fourths 
of a mill upon the dollar of taxable property in the State, 
which, with the interest accruing from the different school 
funds already noticed, are applied towards the expenses 
of tuition. Five school examiners are appointed in each 
W county, by the Court of Common Pleas, who are to exam- 
ine teachers. The Governor, in his recent message, speaks 
of the common school system as languishing- in proportion 
to other improvements. 

Ohio University, at Athens, was founded in 1802 ; — has 
■an endowment of 46,080 acres of land, which yields 2,300 
dollars annua ly. A large and elegant edifice of brick 
was erected in 1817. Number of students about 90. 

Miami University was founded in 1824, and is a flour- 
ishing institution at Oxford, Butler county, 37 miles from 
Cincinnati. It possesses the township of land in which 
it is situated, and from which it receives an income of 
about $5000. Number of students about 200. Patron- 
ized by Presbyterians. 

The Cincinnati College was incorporated in 1819, con- 
tinued to be sustained as a classical institution for some 
years, and then suspended operations. It has been re- 
vived and re-organized lately, and will probably be sus- 
tained. 

Kenyon College, at Gambier, Knox county, in a central 
part of fhe state, was established in 1828, through the efforts 
of the Rev. Philander Chase, then Bishop of Ohio Diocess, 
who obtained about $30,000 in England to endow it. Its 
chief patrons were those excellent British noblemen, 
Lords Kenyon and Gambier. It is under Episcopal ju- 
risdiction, and has a theological department, for the edu- 
cation of candidates for the ministry in the Episcopal 
church. It has about 150 students. 

Western Reserve College is at Hudson. It was founded! 



250 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

by Presbyterians and Congregationalists in 1826, and has 
82 students in all its departments. 

Franklin College is in New Athens, Harrison county, on 
the eastern side of the state, and has about 50 students. 

The Granville Literary and Theological Institute ori-„. 
ginated under the patronage of the Baptist denomination 
in 1831. It is designed to embrace four departments, — - 
preparatory, English, collegiate, and theological. It is ra- 
pidly rising, and contains more than 100 students. 

Oberlin Institute has been recently established in Lor- 
rain county, under the influence of "new measure" Pres- 
byterians, with four departments, and has 276 students, 
as follows : In the theological department, 35 ; collegiate, 
37; preparatory, 31; female, 73. The citizens of Cleave- 
land have recently contributed to it $15,000, of which six- 
persons gave $1000 each. 

The Willibough Collegiate Institute is in the lake coun. 
try of Ohio, and has been gotten up within a few years 
past. 

The Marietta Collegiate Institute is said to be a flour « 
ishing and respectable institution, having a large number 
of students in various departments. 

Q. What can you say of the Religion of Ohio ? 
A. There is a vast number of religious societies, con- 
sisting of all the known existing sects. But the„Presby- 
terians and Methodists are the most prevalent denomina- 
tions. The Shakers and Tunkers have establishments in 
this state. German Lutherans are likewise considerably 
numerous. Most people are desirous of being thought to 
belong to some religious denomination. It is affirmed 
by a gentleman, well known for his researches into the 
antiquities of this state, that there is a greater number of 
professors of religion, in proportion to the whole number 
of the people, than in any state in the Union. There are 
many religious societies, that have no regularly establish* 



OF OHIO. 251 

>tors. The custom of itinerating preaching, as a 
supply, is very prevalent. The people are generally a 
quiet, orderly, peaceable, moral and industrious race. — 
Suicide, excesses, murders in affray, and instances of de- 
liberate and atrocious cruelty, are rare ; and the general 
moral character of the people is highly respectoble. 
Describe the Penitentiary System of Ohio. 
This establishment, at Columbus, is a humane and effi- 
cient one. Of the great number who have been confined 
there, nearly half have been pardoned out. 
Namejthe Banks of Ohio. 

A. Cleaveland, Circleville, Chillicothe, Clinton, at Co- 
lumbus, Commercial at Cincinnati, Columbia at New Lis- 
bon, Commercial bank of Lake Erie at Cleaveland, Com- 
mercial bank of Scioto at Portsmouth, Dayton bank, Far- 
mers' bank of Canton, Farmers' and Mechanics' bank at 
Steubenville, Franklin bank, Franklin bank of Columbus, 
Hamilton bank, Geagu bank, Lancaster Ohio bank, La- 
fayette bank, Masillon bank, Marietta bank, Muskingum 
Nor walk, Sandusky, Urbana bank Company, Wooster, 
Western Reserve bank, Warren. 
Tell me something of the Revenue of this State. 
A. From the Auditor's report to the legislature of 1836 
the following items are extracted. The general revenue 
is obtained from moderate taxes on landed and personal 
property and collected by the county treasurers, — from 
insurance, bank, and bridge companies, — from lawyers 
and physicians, &c. Collected in 1835, by the several 
county treasurers, 8150,080, omitting fractions : paid by 
banks, bridges, and insurance companies, -$26,060 ; by 
lawyers and physicians $1,598; other sources, $24,028 ; 
making an aggregate of $201,766. The disbursements 
are: amount of deficit for 1834, $16,622; bills redeemed 
at the treasury for the year ending November, 1,835, $182 7 



2o2 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM. 

005; interest paid on school funds, $33,101, &c. amount- 
ing to $236,369 and showing a deficit in the revenue of 
$33,590. 

Q. . What can you say of the Canal Fnnd ? 

A. The amount of money arising from the sales of ML 
ami canal lands up to the 15th of November, 1835, is 
$310,178. This sum has been expended in the extension 
of the canal north of Dayton. 

The amount of taxes collected for canal purposes for 
the year 1834, including tolls, sales of canal lands, school 
lands, balance remaining in the treasury of last year, &c. 
is $509,322. Only $38,242 of the general revenue were 
appropriated to canal purposes, of which 35,507 dollars 
went to pay interest on the school funds borrowed by the 
state. 

The foreign debt is $4,400,000 ; the legal interest of 
which is $260,000 per annum. The domestic debt of the 
state, arising from investing the different school funds 
is $579,287 ; the interest of which amounts to $34,757, — , 
making an aggregate annual interest paid by the State 
on loans, of $294,757 The canal tolls for the year 1835, 
amount to $242,357, and the receipts from the sale of 
Ohio canal lands, $64,549, making an aggregate income to 
the canal fund of $306,906 per annum; a sum mre than 
sufficient to pay the interest on all loans for canal pur- 
poses. 

ITEMS OF EXPENDITURE. 

Under this head the principal items of the expenditures 
of tne state government are given. 
Members and officers of the General Assembly „ 

per annum, $43,987 

Officers of government, 20,828 

Keeper of the Penitentiary, U$Q9 



OF OHIO. 253 

For New Penitentiary buildings, $46,050 
State printing, 12,243 
Paper and Stationery for the use of the State, 4,478 
Certificates for wolf scalps, 2,824 
Adjutant and Quartermaster Generals, and Bri- 
gade Inspectors, 2,276 
Treasurer's mileage on settlement with the Audi- 
tor of State, 1,027 
Deaf and Dumb Asylum, 5,700 
Periodical works, &c. 400 
Postage on Documents, 

Reporter to Court in Bank, 300 
Members and clerks of the Board of Equaliza- 
tion, and articles furnished, 1,960 
Paymaster General, Ohio Militia, 2,000 
The extra session of the legislature on the boundary 
line, in June, 1835, was $6,823. 



LAND TAXES. 



The amount of lands taxed, and the revenue arising 
therefrom, at several different periods, are herewith given, 
to show the progressive advance of the farming and other 
interests of the State. 



Years. 


Acres. 


Taxes paid. 


1809 


9,924,033 


$63,991 87 


1810 


10,479,029 


67,501 60 


\1811 


.12,134,777 


170,546 74 



From 1811 to 1816, the average increase of the taxes, 
paid by the several counties, was $69,351. From 1816 
the 1816 the state rapidly rose in the scale of prosperity 
and the value of property. In 1820, the number of states 
returned as taxable, exceeded a fraction of 13 millions 
while the aggregate of taxes was $205,346. 

The period of depression and embarrassment that fol- 
22 

I : 



254 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

lowed throughout the west, prevented property from ad- 
vancing in Ohio. 

In 1826, '27, '28, '29, '30, a considerable change in the 
amount of property taxable took place, from a few hun- 
dred thousands, to more than fifty millions. The total 
value of taxable property of the state for 1835, (exclusive 
of three counties from which returns had not been re- 
ceived, amounts to the sum of ninety-four millions four 
hundred and thirty-seven thousand, nine hundred and fifty 
one dollars. 

Describe the Antiquities of the State. 

We have space to add but little upon this subject. The 
most remarkable are at Worthington, Granville, Athens* 
Marietta, Gallipolis, Paint creek, Circleville, and on the 
Little Miami. The domestic utensils, pottery, vases, and 
trinkets of the inhabitants who probably reared them, are 
iound in and about the mounds. The instruments of 
their warfare are discovered, too, and give clear indica- 
tions that they cultivated the horrid art of shedding hu- 
man blood. Most of the human bones, which are dug in 
great quanties from the mounds, moulder on exposure to 
the air. The skulls in most instances remain, and great 
numbers are shown in the museums. They evidence a 
surprising variety in the retreat of the facial angle of the 
skulls. It is affirmed, that marks of iron tools are found 
upon the wood dug up from the depths below the surface 
of the prairies. A sword is preserved as a curiosity, 
which is said to have been enclosed in the w T ood of the 
root of a tree which could not have been less than 600 
years old. We have not seen this sword, but we have 
seen a diminutive horse shoe dug up at a depth below the 
surface, in grading street near the mansion of Judge Bur- 
net in Cincinnati. It was smaller than the kind of shoe 
required for the smallest kind of asses. A number of the 
nails was in it, and the corrosion by rust was such as might 



OF OHIO. 255 

be expected to result from the oxidation of 500 years. 
Many of these mounds are composed of different earths 
from that which is found in their vicinity. It is the most 
inexplicable of all the mysterious circumstances connect- 
ed with these mounds, that the material of these immense 
structures, some of which would require the labor of a 
thousand men for some time in the erection, should have 
been from a distance. There is no conceivable motive 
why the earth, on which the mounds rest, should not have 
subserved all purposes that we can imagine the builders 
to have had in view. We know with what scrupulous 
care the Jews threw a little of the earth of the Holy Land 
into the graves of their friends. Possibly this transfer of 
earth for the mounds, from a distance may have reference 
to affecting remembrances, like those of the Jews. 

"We have elsewhere described the most remarkable 
mounds at Circleville. Engravings of its form may be 
seen in books that treat upon this subject. 

Q. What can you say of tiie History of Ohio ? 
A. The first permanent settlement of Ohio, was made 
at Marietta, on the 7th of April 1788, by 47 persons from 
Massachusetts, Rhoad Island, and Connecticut. This 
was the nucleous around which has grown up the pop- 
ulous state of Ohio. Amongst the most active promoters 
of the colony, were those called then the Ohio company. 
"The nest settlement was that of Symmes, purchase, made 
at Columbia, six miles above Cincinnati, in November 17- 
89, by Major Stiles and 26 others, under the direction of 
Judge Symmes. A colony of French emigrants settled 
at Gallipolis, in 1791. In 1791 settlements were made by 
New England emigrants at Cleaveland and Conneaut, on 
the southern shore of Lake Erie. The intermediate coun- 
try gradually filled up by emigration from various parts 
of the United States. Some slight diversity exist, in dif- 



256 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

ferent sections of the state, in manners, cuctoms, and 
feelings, amongst the people, in accordance with the states 
or counties from which they or their fathers emigrated. 
These shades of character' will become blended, and the 
next generation will be Ohioans. 

In whatever aspect we contemplate this wonderful state 
the mind is affected with surprise and pleasure. 

We experience surprise, for the history of colonies af- 
fords no similar example of colony of equal numbers, im- 
provement and prosperity so rapidly springing from a so- 
lid forest wilderness, with no adventitious aid, except the 
fertility of its lands, the freedom of its institutions, and 
the enterprising character of the American people. 

The real lover of freedom, who firmly believes in the 
strength and perpetuity of our institutions, contemplates 
the prospect with unmingled pleasure. Ohio, all things 
considered, and her character and institutions carefully 
analyzed, is the most completely democratic community 
with which we are acquainted, here, if the enemies of 
democracy were to be credited, ought to be found the 
most revolting effects of ferocity and misrule. Insurrec- 
tion and anarchy, and lawless violence should be the or- 
der of things. 

This state, on the contrary, is making great exertions 
to diffuse general education ; and there is not perhaps in 
the world, a more peacible and orderly community, or 
where the people are more entirely obedient to the laws 
of the land, 



OF OHIO. 



257 



Q. What are the principal stage routes «&c. in Ohio ? 



i. From Cleave- 
larid to Cincin- 
nati. 
From Cleave!. to 

Strongville, 

Brunswick, 

Medina, 

Guilford, 

Jackson, 

"Wooster, 

Londonville, 

Mount Vernon, 

Lunbury, 

Geneva, 

Biendon, 

Columbus, 

Cincinnati, 



v 2. From Wheeling 
Va. to Cincinna- 
ti, via. Zanes- 
villeand Colum- 
bus. 

Trom Wheeling 
Va. to 

St. Clairsville, 

Morristown, 

Fair view, 

Middleburn, 

Washington, 

Cambridge, 

Norwich, 

Zanesville, 

Irville, 

Hanover, 

Newark. 

Granville, 

Columbus, 

Franklinton. 



15 

7 
7 
6 

»! 

20 

21 

23 

5 

7 

10 

113 



22 

29 

35 

25 

41 

53 

73 

94 

117 

122 

129 

139 

252 



9 


! 


9 


18 J 


10 


28 


8 


36 l 


6 


42 


8 


50 


12 


62 


12 


74 


11 


85 


7 


92 


S 


100 


8 


103 


2? 


134 


1 


13? 



Lawrenceville, 


22 


Springfield, 


20 


Yellow Springs, 


7 


Xenia, 


10 


Waynesville. 


14 


Lebanon, 


10 


Sharonville, 


15 


Reading, 


4 


Cincinnati, 


10 


3. From Wheeling 




to Maysville, 




Ken. 




From Wheeli. tc 




Zanesville, 


74 


Somerset, 


18 


Rushville? 


8 


Lancaster, 


10 


Tarlton, 


15 


Kingston, 


8 


Chillicothe, 


14 


Bainbridge, 


18 


Sinking Spring, 


16 


TTesi Union, 


23 


Maysville, Ken. 


18 


4. From Wheeling 


i 


to Cincinnati, 




via. Chillicothe. 




From Wheeli. to 


j 


Zanesvile as in 




No. 2. 




Chillecothe as in 


l 


No. 3. 


69 


Cincinnati as in 




No. 4. 


93 



22 ! 



258 



GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 






5. From Wkeeling 
to Cincinnati, 
via Circlevile 
and Lebanon. 
From Wheeli. to 
Zanesville, 
Cincinnati as in 
No. 12. 



6. From Sandus- 
ky to Cincinna- 
ti, via. Dayton. 
From Sandus. to 

Lower Sandusky, 

Fort Seneca. 

Oakley, 

Tymochtee, 

Upper Sandusky, 

Grand, 

Hardin, 

Bellefontaine, 

West Liberty, 

Urbanna, 

Springfield, 

Fairfield, 

Dayton, 

Alexandersville, 

Miamisburg, 

Franklin, 

Middletown, 

Hamilton* 

Carthage, 

Cincinnati, 



7. From Ashtabu- 
la to Wkeeling, 
Va. 
From Ashtab. to 
Jefferson, 
Austinburg, 
Morgan, 



Mis 


Mis- 


74 




161 


235 


28 


| 


9 


37 


6 


43 


12 


55 


9 


64 


10 


74 


16 


90 


20 


no 


10 


120 


10 


130 


13 


143 


13 


156 


10 


166 


7 


173 


3 


176 


7 


183 


6 


189 


ia 


202 


15 


217 


6 


223 


9 




G 


15 I 
* 18 11 


K a 





Mis. 


MIS. 


Orwell, 


11 


29 


Bloomfield, 


5 


34 


Bristol ville, 


4 


38 


Warren, 


11 


49 


Canfield, 


16 


65 


Columbiana, 


11 


76 


New Lisbon, 


10 


86 


Wellsville, 


12 


98 


Knoxville, 


8 


106 


Steubenville, 


13 


119 


Wellsburg, 


8 


127 


Wheeling Va. 


16 


143 


8. From Sandus- 






ky City to Cin- 






cinnati, via. 






Springfield and 






Yellow Spring. 






From Sand. C. to 






Springfield as in 






No. 2. 


143 




Cincinnati as in 






No. 2. 


70 


213 


9. From Zanes- 






ville to Cleve- 






land. 






From Zanesv. to 






Dresden, 


14 




Roscoe, 


14 


28 


Coshocton, 


I 


29 


Ne wcomersto wn , 


! 18 


46 


Gnaddenhuetten 


11 


57 


New Philadelphia, 


10 


67 


Zoar, 


10 


77 


Sandyville, 


4 


81 


Canton, 


13 


94 


Grecntown, 


10 


104 


Union, 


4 


108 


Middleburg, 


8 


116 


Talmadge, 


3 


119 







Op OHIO. 






Mis. 


Mis. 


Mis. 


Northampton, 


6 


125 


Chardon, 


9 


Stow, 


3 


128 






Cleveland, 


28 


154 














12. From Zanes- 
ville to Cincin- 




10. From Colum- 






nati via. Leba- 




bus to Sandus- 






non. 




kg. 

From Coluaib. to 






From Zanesv. to 








Lancaster, 


36 


Blendon, 


10 


17 

22 

45 

52 

61 

71 

83 

94 f 

99 
112 
116 ' 
128 


Circleville, 


22 


Genoa, 


7 


Williamsport, 


10 


Sunbury, 


5 


New Holland, 


8 


Mount Vernon, 


23 


Washington, 


10 


Fredericktown, 
Bellville, 


7 
9 


Wilmington, 
Clarksville, 


22 
9 


Mansfield, 


10 


Rochester, 


8 


Truxville, 
Kew Haven, 


12 
11 


Lebanon, 
Cincinnati, 


7 
2.9 


La Fayette, 


5 






Nor walk 


13 


. 




Milan, 


3 






Sandusky, 


12 


13. From Cincin- 










nati to Indian- 











opolis, via. 
Brookvillc. 




11. From Steur 






From Cincinn. to 




benville to Char- 






Cheriot, " 


7 


don. 






Miami, 


10 


From Steuben- 






Harrison, 


8 


viile to 






New Trenton, 


7 


Richmond, 


11 




Brookville. 


11 


Itocktown, 


17 


28 


Somerset, 


15 


Centreville, 


5 


33 


Rushville, 


16 


New Harrisburg, 


7 


40 


Hanover,. 


17 


Waynesburg, 


6 


46 


Indianopolis, 


24 


Canton. 


12 


58 






Randolph, 


15 


73 






Rootstown, 


5 


78 


14. From Cincin- 




Ravenna. 


6 


84 


nati to Indian- 




Shalersville, 


5 


89 


opolis via. Law- 




Mantua, 


4 


93 


renceburg. 




Auburn, 


6 


99 


From Cincinn. to 




Newbury 


7 


106 


Cheriot, 


7 



259 



260 



GEORAFGHICAL CATECI1IS3J 





Mis 


.'lis. 




Mia. 


Mi3. 


Elizabethtown, 


10 


17 


Eaton. 


5 


26 


Hardinsburg, 


O 


20 


Richmond, 


16 


42 


Lawrenceburg, 


2 


22 


Centreville, 


*6 


48 


Manchester, 


9 


31 


Germantown, 


7 


55 


Napoleon, 


21 


52 


Doublin, 


4 


59 


Greensburg, 


12 


64 


Lewis ville, 


7 


66 


Shellyville, 


22 


86 \ 


Middleton, 


6 


72 


Indianopolis, 


27 


113 i 


Charlottesville, 


8 


80 




1 


\ 


Greenfield, 


9 


89 









Columbia, 


10 


99 






•. 1 


Indianopolis, 


12 


111 


15. From Cincin- 












nati to Green- 












ville. 




' 








From Cigicirin«,t© 












Carthage, 
Hamilton, 


6 
15 


21 I 


17. From Beaver 
Pa. to Cleave- 
land. 

From Be a v. Fa. to 

Griersburg, 

Petersburg, 






Middletovvn, 


13 


5£ I 






Franklin, 

Miamisburg, 

Alexandersville, 


6 

7 
3 


40 

4 l 1 
50 ; 

57 \ 

65 ! 

69 

75 
81 

Co 

103 


12 

9 


21 


Dayton, 

Little York, 

Union, 

West Milton, 

Troy, 

Piqua, 

Greenville, 


? 
8 
4 
6 
6 
2 
25 


Poland, 

Boardmar., 

Canfields, 

Els worth. 

Milton, 

Palmyra, 

Edinburg, 


9 
3 
5 
5 
8 
3 
7 


30 
33 
38 
43 
51 
54 
61 








Bavenna, 


6 


67 








Stow, 


10 


77 


16. From Dayton 






Hudson, 


6 


83 


to Indianopolis. 






Twins bun?, 


4 


8^ 


From Dayton to 






Bedford, 


7 


95 


liberty, 


7 




Newburg, 


5 


ion 


West Alexandria, 


14 


21 


Cleaveland. 


5 


105 



INDIANA 



Whence is the name Indiana derived ? 

A. From the original tenants and owners of the land, 
as the name indicates. 

Q. What are the boundaries, «&c. of Indiana ? 

A. Length 240, breadth 150 miles. Between 37° 48' 
N. latitude, and 7° 45' and 11° west longitude. Bounded 
north by the State of Michigan and lake Michigan, east 
by Ohio, south by the Ohio river, which separates it from 
Kentucky, and west by Illinois. It contains about 37,000 
square, equal to 23,680,000 acres. 

Q. What are the names of the mountains in Indiana ? 

A. There are no mountains in Indiana ; the country is 
however in some parts hilly, particularly towards the 
Ohio river. A range of hills, called the Knobs extends 
from the falls of the Ohio to the Wabash, and separates 
the waters of the Ohio from those of the White river. 
North of the Wabash, between Tippecanoe and Ouitanon, 
the Wabash hills are found, which are rather precipitous. 
These constitute the principal hills of Ohio. 

Can you describe the rivers of Indiana ? 

A. The description of the Ohio river will be found in the 
account of the rivers of Ohio. 



262 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

Wabash, river of the United State in Ohio, Indianna 
and Illinois and the great northwestern constituent of the 
Ohio river. Besides many minor streams, the Wabash is 
composed of three main branches, Little Wabash on the 
southwest Wabash proper in the centre, and White river 
on the eastern side of the valley. Little Wabash rises in 
Shelby county Illinois, interlocking sources with those of 
Kaskaskia river, and flowing thence in a S. S. E. direc- 
tion over Fayette, Clay, Wayne, and White counties Illi- 
nois, falls into the main channel of the Wabash, between 
White and Gallatin counties, about 10 miles direct course 
above the influx of Wabash into Ohio river. 

The entire course of Little Wabash is about 110 miles, 
mean breadth of its valley 25, and area 2,750 square miles, 
between latitude 37° 50', and 40° 30'. 

Embarras river is another branch of the Wabash, the 
whole valley of which lies in the state of Illinois, The 
Embarras has its extreme source in Vermillion county 
Illinois, interlocking sources with those of Vermillion, 
Kaskaskia and Little Wabash rivers. 

Flowing nearly parallel to the latter, over Edgar, Clark, 
and Drawford counties, it falls into the Wabash 10 miles 
below Vincennes, after a course of about 100 miles. Mean 
width of the valley 20 miles, and area 2,000 square miles. 
The valley of the Embarras occupies the space between 
the higher sources of Kaskaskia, and the main Wabash. 
In the distance of 100 miles, air measure, from the influx 
of Embarras to that of Vermilion, the Wabash does not 
receive a stream from the right, or from the state of Illi- 
nois above the size of a large creek. 

Vermillion river rises in the state of Illinois, to the N. 
wards of Vermillion county, interlocking sources with 
the Embarras and Kaskaskia, and with those of the Sang- 
amon and Pickman branches of Illinois river. 

Flowing 60 miles to the southward, it falls into the main 



OF INDIANA. 263 

channel of the Wabash, after having traversed Vermil- 
lion county of Illinois, and Vermillion county of Indiana. 
Tippecanoe, as laid down by Tanner, is the extreme N. 
ern source of the Wabash, rising at latitude 41° 30', and 
longitude 9° west Washington City, interlocking sources 
with those of Kankakee branch of Illinois river, and with 
the Elkhart, or southern branch of the St. Joseph's of 
river, of lake Michigan. Howing 70 miles, first to the S. 
west, and thence curving south, Wabash in the northern 
margin of La Fayette county. 

The left inclined plane of the Wabash valley, is in 
length about 330 miles, the breadth in no place extends to 
GO, and averaging about 35 miles from the main channel ; 
area 11,550 square miles. 

Wabash proper rises on the great plateau, or table land 
between the Ohio river and lakes Erie and Michigan, and 
within five miles of the junction of St. Joseph's and Saint 
Mary's rivers. 

The country from which the Wabash rises, is amongst 
the most remarkable on the earth. The constituents of 
the Maumee, the St. Joseph rising in Michigan, and Saint 
Mary's rising in the state of Ohio, each flow a distance of 
70 miles, in complete accordance with the confluents of 
Wabash ; but uniting at Fort Wayne, Allen county Indi- 
ana, the united waters, in place of continuing what would 
be apparently the natural course, down the channel of the 
Wabash, turn in a directly opposite direction, and form 
the Maumee ; this flowing northeastwardly 1 10 miles, is 
lost in the southwestern bay of lake Erie. 

The central plain is indeed so nearly a dead level, as to 
admit but little current in the streams. That which is 
laid down by Tanner as the main source of Wabash, ris- 
es in Mercer and Darke counties Ohio, flowing thence N. 
west by west, it enters Indiana, and after a course of 60 



264 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

miles, recieves Little river, from the central table land in 
Allen county. 

It is the sources of the latter stream, which so nearly 
approach the junction of St. Mary's and St. Joseph's riv- 
ers, and it is along its channel, that a canal has been pro- 
posed to unite the Wabash and Maumee rivers. The 
Wabash, already a navigable stream at the influx of Lit- 
tle river, inflects a little south of west 50 miles, receiving 
the Salamanic and Missisinewa from the southeast, Eel 
river from the northwest. Below the influx of Eel river, 
the main channel inflects to southwest 70 miles, receiving 
the Tippecanoe 30 miles below the mouth of Eel river. 

At the lower end of the last mentioned course, accord- 
ing to Tanner's United State, the channel of Wabash is 
only about 10 miles from the eastern boundary of Illinois; 
but deflecting a very little west of south, it continues 60 
miles entirely in Indiana, to a point between Vigo county 
of the latter, and Clarke county of Illinois. 

From hence the main channel continues a general 
course 120 miles forming a boundary between the two 
states, and receiving the Little Wabash from the north- 
west, and the White river from the northeastward. 

White river is the most considerable branch of Wabash 
draining the large space between the main stream above 
their confluence, and that part of Ohio river between the 
mouths of Miami and Wabash. 

The valley of White river, comprising an area of 11,000 
square miles, is drained by innumerable smaller streams 
which first unite in two branches, which again by their 
union form White river. White river proper, or the N. 
em branch, has its extreme source in Randolph county 
Indiana, but almost on the western border of Darke coun- 
ty Ohio. 

Plowing thence westward 70 miles, over Randolph, Del- 
aware and Madison counties into Hamilton county, i 



OF INDIANA. 265 

inflects to southwest, and traverses Hamilton, Marion,. 
Morgan, Owen, and Greene counties, thence separating 
Daviess from Knox county, it receives the East Fork, af- 
ter an entire course of upwards of 200 miles. 

The East Fork, though not having an equal length of 
course, drains very little, if any less surface, than the main 
branch. 

The former rises in Henry and Hancock counties, and 
flowing a southwestern course, drains the counties of 
Henry, Hancock, Rush, Shelby, Decatur, Bartholomew, 
Jennings, Scott, Jackson, Monroe, Lawrence, Martin, Or- 
ange, and part of Jefferson, Dubois, and Daviess. 

It may be noticed, as a remarkable peculiarity of White 
river, that its extreme eastern source rises within less 
than one mile of the bank of Ohio river ; and flowing di- 
rectly from than great stream, thus singularly turned by 
the features of the country, its waters unite with the Wa- 
bash, and finally with the Ohio, 160 miles in a direct line 
from its source in Jefferson county. 

A ridge of hills extends entirely over Indiana, from the 
mouth of Great Miami to that of Wabash, across the 
counties of Dearborn, Switzerland, Jefferson, Scott, 
Washington, Orange, Crawford, Dubois, Spencer, War- 
rick, Gibson, Vanderburg, and Posey. 

From this ridge creeks are discharged on each side, in- 
to the Ohio and White river respectively, the two streams 
flowing very nearly parallel in a direction southwest by 
west. 

The entire valley of Wabash approaches the form of an 
ellipsis, the longer axis 300 miles from the extreme south- 
western sources of Little Wabash, to the northern foun- 
tains of Eel river. 

Its greatest breadth is 200 miles, from the sources of 
GrahamXFork, near Madison in Jefferson county Indiana 

23 



SOC GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

to the N. western fountains of Vermillion river, in the 
state of Illinois, 

The whole area of the valley contains about 40,000 sq, 
miles, exceeding by a small fraction a fifth part of the su- 
perficies of the whole Ohio valley. In fixing the relative 
extent of the confluents of the Ohio, Wabash is the third 
in the length of its course, and second in regard to the 
areadrained; being in the former case, exceeded by Tem- 
pee and Cumberland, but in thel atter by Tennessee only. 
As a navigable channel, Wabash is a very important 
stream. It is but slightly impeded by falls and rapids 
and its course seems to be almost artificially drawn to 
form a part of the line of commercial connexion between 
the Mississippi river and Lake Erie. 

Saint Joseph's, river of lake Michigan, has interlocking 
sources with those of Eel river, branch ot Wabash ; those 
of Saint Joseph's ofMaumee, Tiffin's of Maumee, the riv- 
er Raisin of lake Erie, and with those of Kalamezoo 
river of lake Michigan. 

The most remote source is in Hillsdale county Michi- 
gan, but the numerous confluents drain nearly all Branch, 
Saint Joseph, Baso and Berrien, with part of Calhoun , 
Kalamazoo, and Van Buren counties Michigan ; and all 
La Grange and Elkhart, with part of Saint Joseph's and 
La Porte counties Indiana. 

The various streams which contribute, to form Saint 
Joseph's river, unite in Michigan, and the main stream in- 
clining southwest, enters Indiana in the northeast part of 
Elkhart county, and thence sweeping an elliptic curve 
over the northern sections of Elkhart and Saint Joseph's * 
counties, re-enters Michigan by a northwestern course r 
which it maintains over Berrien county to its final en- 
trance into lake Michigan. The Saint Joseph's river of 
lake Michigan is a large stream in proportion to length. 
The utmost length of the valley it drains is 110 miles. 



OF INDIANA. 267 

whilst the mean breadth is fully 40 miles; area 4,400 sq. 
sniles. 

This valley is also amongst the finest regions of the 
Saint Lawrence basin. In latitude it extends from 41° 
15' to 42° 20' ; and from about 80 to 180 miles a little S. 
of west from Detroit. 

The valleys of Saint Joseph's, Kalamazoo, and Grand 
rivers follow each other from south to north. 

Elkhart, river of Indiana rising in the Putawatomie 
country, interlocking sources with those of Tippecanoe 
and Eel river branches of Wabash, and flowing thence 
N. northwest enters and gives name to Elkhart county 
within which it falls into the left side of St. Joseph's riv- 
<er of Michigan after a comparative course of 40 miles. 
The mouth of Elkhart river is almost exactly on longi- 
iude 9° west of Washington City and at north latitude 
41° 44'. 

Some of the western branches of Elkhart interlock 
£heir sources with those of Kankakee, and of course with 
the extreme eastern tributary waters of Illinois river. 

For Kankakee river, see Illinois river in the description 
iof the state of Illinois. 

<l. What can you say of the bays and harbors of this 
.State ? 

A. Very little.~^Michigan City in La Parte county sit- 
uated at the point where the Wabash and Erie rail road 
will unite with Michigan which opens a communication 
between the river Wabash and the Lake ; is the only 
place we can describe as a harbor. — This promises to be- 
come a place of considerable importance to the state. 

Q. What can you say of the face of the Country ? 

A. The counties bordering on the Ohio river are hilly ; 
— sometimes abrupt, precipitous, stony, occasionally de- 
generating in Knobs and ravines. Commencing at the 
mouth of White river on the Wabash, and following up 







268 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

that stream on its east fork, and thence along the Muska- 
kituck, through Jennings, and Kipley counties to Law- 
renceville, and you leave the rough and hilly portion of 
Indiana, to the right. Much of the country we have de- 
nominated hilly is rich, fertile land, even to the summits 
of the hills. On all the streams are strips of rich alluvi- 
an, of exhaustless fertility. 

The interior, on the two White rivers and tributaries^ 
is moderately undulating, tolerably rich soil, and much of 
it heavily timbered with oaks of various species, poplar, 
beech, sugar tree, walnut, hickory, elm and other varieties 
common to the West. 

There is much level, table land, between the streams. 
Along the Wabash, below Terre Haute, is an undulating 
surface, diversified with forest and prairie, with a soil of 
middling quality, interspersed with some very rich tracts. 
Along the Wabash and its tributaries above Terre Haute 
the land in general is first rate, — a large portion forest., 
interspersed with beautiful praries. 

The timber consists of oaks of various species, poplar, 
ash, walnut, chejry, elm, sugar tree, buckeye, hickory, 
some beech, sassafras, lime, honey locust, with some cot- 
ton wood, sycamore, hackberry and mulberry on the- 
bottom lands. 

The undergrowth is spice bush, hazel, plum, crab apple 
hawthorn and vines. Along the northern part of the state- 
are extensive praries and tracts of barrens, with groves 
of various kinds of timber and skirts of burr oak. 

Towards lake Michigan, and along the Kankakee and 
St. Joseph rivers, are lakes, swamps and marshes. 

Perhaps no part of the western world can show greater 
extends of rich land in one body, than that portion of 
White River country, of which Indianopolis is the cen- 
tre. Judging of Indiana from travelling through the south 
front from 12 to 20. miles from the the Ohio, we should 



~_ 



OF INDIANA. 



269 



not, probably, compare it with Ohio or Illinois. But now, 
when the greater part of the territory is purchased of the 
Indians, and all is surveyed, and well understood, it is 
found that this state possesses as large a portion of first 
rate lands, as any in the western country. With some 
few exceptions of wide praries, the divisions of timbered 
and prarie lands are more happily balanced, than in other 
parts q[ the western country. Many rich prarries are 
long and narrow, so that the whole an be taken up, 
and timber be easily accessible by all the settlers. There 
are hundreds of prairies only large enough for a few 
farms. 

Even in the large prairies are those beautiful islands of 
timbered land which form such a striking feature in the 
western prairies. The great extent of fertile land, the 
happy distribution of rivers and springs, may be one 
cause of the unexampled rapidity, with which this state 
has peopled. Another reason may be, that it being a non- 
slave holding state, and next in position beyond Ohio, it 
was happily situated to arrest the tide of emigration, and 
cause to settle beyond Ohio, after that state was filled. 

We add a few remarks, in a single view, upon the qual- 
ities of the soil, on the several rivers, and near the towns, 
which we shall describe. There is a much greater pro- 
portion of beech timber in this state than in Ohio. It is 
clearly the principal kind of timber. This state is equal- 
ly fertile in corn, rye, oats, barley, wheat, and the several 
grains in general. Vast extents of the richer prairies, 
and bottoms, are too rich for wheat, until the natural wild 
luxuriance in the soil has been reduced by cropping. Up- 
land rice has been attempted with success. Some of the 
warm and sheltered valleys have yielded, in favourable 
years, considerable crops of cotton. No country can ex- 
ceed this in its adaptedness for rearing the finest fruits, 
and fruit bearing shrubs. Wild berries are in many places 

23* 









270 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

abundant ; and on some of the prairies the strawberries 
are large and fine. It is affirmed, that in the northern 
parts, in the low prairies* whole tracts are covered with 
the beautiful fowl-meadow grass, of the north. It is a 
certain fact, that wherever the Indians or the French have 
inhabited long enough to destroy the natural prairie 
grass, which it is well known, is soon eradicated, by 
being pastured by the domestic animals, that surround a 
farmer's barn, this grass is replaced by the blue grass of 
the western country, which furnishes not only a beautiful 
sward, but covers the earth with a mat of rich fodder, 
not unlike the second crop Which is cut in the northern 
state, as the most valuable kind of hay. For all the ob- 
jects of farming, and raising grain, flour, hemp, tobacco. 
cattle, sheep, swine, horses, and generally the articles of 
the northern and middle states, emigrants could desire no 
better country than may be found in Indiana. In the rich 
bottoms in the southern parts, the reed cane, and uncom- 
monly large ginsing are abundant. 

Q. What are the minerals of Indiana ? 

A. Stone coal of the best quality i& found in several 
places. Native copper has been discovered in small 
masses, in the northern part of the state. Iron ore is 
also found in some places. But in general, it is a country 
too level to be a mineral one. From the first settlement 
of the country it has been asserted, that there is a silver 
mine at Ouitanon. The mineral features will be noticed 
in the description of each county. 

Q. Are there any mineral or medical springs in this 
State ? 

There are salt springs in different parts of the state. 
We do not know that any of them are worked to much 
extent. The salt has hitherto been chiefly brought from 
the United States' Saline, back of Shawneetown, or from 



--■ 



CF IK DIANA. 271 

the salines of Kenhawa. Medical springs are not found 
in this state. 
Q. Are there any caves in this state? 

A. Like Alabama and Tennessee, this state abounds 
• with subterranean wonders, in the form of caves. Many 
of them have been explored, but few described. Not far 
from Big Blue river, there is a large one, the entrance to 
which is on the side of a hill, that is about 400 feet high. 
Here are found great quantities of sulphate of magnesia, 
or Epsom salt, and of nitre, &c. The annexed descrip- 
tion is from the pen of Mr. Adams: 

" The hill in which it is situated, is about 400 feet high 
from the base, to the most elevated point ; and the pros- 
pect to the south-east is exceedingly fine, commanding an 
extensive view of the hills and valleys bordering on Big 
Blue river. The top of the hill is covered principally 
with oak and chestnut. The side of the south-east is 
mantled with cedar. The entrance is about midway from 
the base to the summit, and the surface of the cave pre- 
serves in general about that elevation ; although I must 
acknowledge this to be conjectural, as no experiments 
have been made with a view to ascertain the fact. It is 
probably owing to this middle situation of the cave, that 
it is much drier than is common. After entering the cave 
by an aperture 12 or 15 feet wide, and in height in one 
place three or four feet, you descend with easy and gra« 
dual steps into a large and spacious room, which conti- 
nues ablut a quarter of a mile, varying in height from 8 
to 30 feet, and iu breadth from 10 to 20. In this distance, 
the roof is in some places arched, in others a plane, and 
in one place it resembles the inside view of the roof of a 
house. At the distance above named, the cave forks, but 
the right hand fork soon terminates, while the left rises 
by a flight of rocky stairs, nearly 10 feet high, into another 
.story, and pursues a course at this place nearly south- 



272 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

east. Here the roof commences a regular arch, the height 
of which from the floor varies from 5 to 8 feet, and the 
width of the cave from 6 to 12 feet, which continues to 
what is called the 'creeping-place' — from the circumstance 
of having to crawl 10 or 12 feet into the next large room. ' 
From this place to the pillar, a distance of about one 
mile and a quarter, the visitor finds an alternate succes- 
sion of large and small rooms, variously decorated ; 
sometimes traveling on a pavement, or climbing over 
huge piles of rocks, detached from the roof by some con- 
vulsion of nature. The aspect of this large and stately 
white column, as it heaves in sight "from the dim reflec- 
tion of the torches, is grand and impressive. Visitors 
have seldom pushed their inquiries further than 200 or 300 
yards beyond this pillar. This column is about 15 feet in 
diameter, from 20 to 30 feet high, and regularly reeded 
from the top to the bottom." 

Q. What are the natural productions of this State ? 
A. See face of the country, soil, &c. In which is men- 
tioned the principal forest trees. 

Q. What is the climate of this State ? 
A. In point of salubrity, we can do no more than re- 
peat the remarks which have so often been found applica. 
ble to the western country in general, and which from the 
nature of things must apply to all countries. The high 
and rolling regions of this State are as healthy as the 
same kinds of land in the other parts of the United 
States. The wet prairies, swampy lands, and tracts con- 
tinuous to small lakes and ponds, and inundated bottoms, 
intersected by bayous, generate fevers and ague, and au- 
tumnal fevers, and impart a bilious tendency to all disor- 
ders of the country. The beautiful prairies above Vin- 
cennes on the Wabash, in the neighborhood of Fort Har- 
rison and Tippecanoe, are found £q have some balance 
against their fertility, beauty of appearance, and the ease 



^Mi 



OF INDIANA. 273 

with which they are cultivated, in their insalubrity. That 
the settlers in general, have found this State, taken as a 
whole, favorable to health, the astonishing increase of the 
population, bears ample testimony. 

The winters are mild, compared with those of New 
England or Pennsylvania. Winter commen ces in its se- 
verity about Christmas, and seldom more than six weeks. 
During this time, in most seasons, the rivers that have 
not very rapid currents, are frozen. Though winters do 
occur in which the Wabash cannot be crossed upon the 
ice. 

About the middle of February, the severity of winter is 
past. In the northern parts of the state, snow sometimes, 
though rarely, falls a foot and a half in depth. In the mid- 
dle and southern parts it seldom falls more than six inches. 
Peach trees are generally in blossom early in March. The 
forest trees begin to be green from the 5th to the 15th of 
April. Vast numbers of flowering shrubs are in full 
flower, before they are in leaf, which gives an inexpressi- 
ble charm to the early appearance of spring. Vegetation 
is liable to be injured both by early and late frosts. 

Q. What can you say of the Government of Indiana? 

A. The constitution of Indiana was adopted on the 10th 
of June, 1816, and contains the following essential pro- 
visions : 

Representatives shall be chosen annually, by the quali- 
fied electors of each county respectively, on the first Mon. 
day in August. 

Senators shall be chosen for three years, on the first 
Monday in August, by the qualified voters for represen- 
tatives. 

Qualifications for Representatives and Senators the 
same as in Pennsylvania. 

The Governor holds his office for three years, or until 
a successor shall be chosen and qualified. He is required 



274 GEOGRAPHIC AX CATECHISM. 

to be 30 years of age, a citizen of the United States 10 
years, and have resided, in the state five years next pre- 
ceding his election. He has the usual powers of govern- 
ors of states. 

The judiciary power of this state, both as to law and 
equity, shall be vested in one supreme court, in circuit 
courts, and such other inferior courts, as the general as- 
sembly may, from time to time, direct and establish. 

Every white male citizen ol the United States, of the 
age of 21 years and upwards, who has resided in the 
state one year immediately preceding such election, shall 
be entitled to vote in the county where he resides. All 
elections by ballot. There shall be neither slavery nor 
involuntary servitude in this state. 

The other provisions of the constitution of Indiana 
have the ordinary features of those in other states. 

Q. What can yon say of the Indians of this State ? 

A. Until recently, they owned the greater part of the 
fertile lands in this state. Most of these lands have lately 
been purchased of them by treaty. The names of the 
tribes, as they used to be, convey little idea of their pre- 
sent position and numbers. Great numbers have emi- 
grated far to the west, on White river and Arkansas. — 
Others have strayed into Canada, as towards the sources 
of the Mississippi, and their deserted places are rapidly 
filling with the habitations of white men. Their names* 
as they used to be, are Mascontins, Prankashaws, Kicka. 
poos, Delawares, Miamies, Shawnees, Ouitanons, Eel 
Rivers, and Pottawattomies. Their present numbers can- 
not exceed four or five thousand souls. It is an unques- 
tionable evidence of the fertility of the country in the 
interior of Indiana, that it was once the seat of the most 
dense Indian population in the western country. The 
Indians invariably fixed in greatest numbers where the 
soil was fertile, the country healthy, and the means of 



OF INDIANA. r ? 275 

transport on w ater courses easy and extensive. Such 
countries abounded in fish and game, and such was the 
country in question. 

The Indians in this country were invaded in 1791 by 
Gen. Wilkinson. He destroyed their principal town. It 
contained 120 houses, eighty- of which were roofed with 
shingles. The gardens and improvements about it were 
delightful. There was a tavern with cellars, bar, and 
public and private rooms ; and the whole indicated no 
small degree of order and civilization. The prophet's 
town, destroyed by Gen. Harrison in November, 1811, 
was a considerable place. 

The Miamees possess a reservation near Logan's Port, 
of 36 square miles of land of the finest quality. Their 
numbers are 1,150. Beside their rich lands, they have an 
annuity of $25,000, which, with their possessions, render 
them wealthy. 

Near the Kankakee Ponds, north of the Wabash, reside 
the Pottawatomies, who are more numerous than the 
Miamees. These Indians, in 1826, ceded lands to the 
United States, for the purpose of causing a road to be 
constructed from lake Michigan by way of Indianopolis, 
to the Ohio. Congress confirmed the grant; and the road 
has been laid out and rendered passable. 

Q. What is the {Population of Indiana? 

A. The population of the state in 1800, amounted to 
4,875; in 1810 to 24,520 ; in 1820 to 147,178; and in 1830 
to 343,031. The progressive population of Indiana was 
132 per cent, during the 10 years preceding the last census. 

Q. What are the Civil Divisions of Indiana ? * 

A. It is divided into 69 counties. The following table 
exhibits, at one view, the names of the counties, the date 
of their formation, their area in square miles, their popu- 
lation in 1830, and their seats of justice. 



^6 



GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM. 



— 


*a 


Ul 


»-d 


J! 




° M 




-. o 

3 T3 




COUNTIES. 


3 & 

P o 




illation 1 
1830. 


SEATS OP JUSTICE. 


Allen, 


1823 


~720 


1,000 


Fort Wayne, 


Bartholomew, - 


1821 


588 


5,800 


Columbus, 


Boon, 


1830 


400 


622 


Lebanon > 


Carroll, ~>j& ^ 


1828 


450 


1,614 


Delphi, 


Cass, 


1829 


460 


1,154 


Logansport, 


Clark, - 


1802 


400 


10,719 


Charlestown, 


Clay, 


1825 


360 


1,616 


Bowlinggreen, 


Clinton, - 


1830 


450 


1,423 


Frankfort, 


Crawford, 


1818 


350 


3,184 


Fredonia, 


Daviess, - 


1816 


460 


4,512 


Washington, 


Dearborn, 


1802 


448 


14,573 


Lawrenceburgh. 


Decatur, - 


1821 


400 


5,854 


Greens burg, . 


Delaware, 


1827 


440 


2,372 


Muncytown* 


Dubois, - 


1817 


420 


1,774 


Jasper, 


Elkhart, - 


1830 


576 


935 


Goshen, 


Fayette, - 


1818 


200 


9,112 


Connersville, 


Floyd, - 


1819 


200 


6,363 


New Albany, 


Fountain, 


1825 


400 


7,644 


Covington, 


Franklin, 


1810 


400 


10,199 


Brookville, 


Gibson, - 


1813 


450 


5,417 


Princeton, 


Grant, - 


1831 


415 





Marion, 


Greene, - 


1821 


540 


4,250 


Bloomfield, 


Hamilton, 


1823 


400 


1,705 


Noblesville* 


Hancock, 


1828 


340 


1,569 


Greenfield, 


Harrison, 


1808 


470 


10,288 


Corydon, 


Hendricks, 


1823 


420 


3,967 


Danville, 


Henry, - 


1821 


440 


6,498 


Newcastle, 


Huntington, - 


1832 


400 







Jackson, - 


1815 


500 


4,894 


Brownstown. 


Jefferson, 


1809 


400 


11,465 


Madison, 


Jennings, 


1816 


400 


3,950 


Vernon, 


Johnson, - 


1822 


300 


4,130 


Franklin, 


Knox, 


1802 


540 


6,557 


Vincennes, 


La Porte, 


1832 


420 





La Porte, 


La Grange, 


1832 


380 





Mongoquinon, 


Lawrence, 


1818 


460 


9,237 


Bedford, 


Madison, 


1823 


420 


2,442 


Andersontown, 


Marion, - 


1821 


440 


8,181 


[ndianopolis, 


Martin, - 


1818 


340 


2,010 


Mount Pleasant. 



OF INDIANA. 



277 





3 




TJ 






So 


pa 


5- ■§ 




COUNTIES. 


3 £ 


a 


GO eT" 


SEATS OF JUSTICE. 






g 

CD 


• f 




Miami, 


1832 


330 





Miamisport, 


Monroe, 


1818 


560 


6,758 


Bloomington, 


Montgomery, 


1822 


500 


7,376 


Crawford sville, 


Morgan, 


1821 


530 


5,579 


Martinsville, 


Orange, 


1815 


378 


7,909 


Paoli, 


Owen, 


1818 


380 


4,060 


Spencer, 


Parke, 


1821 


450 


7,534 


Rockville, 


Perry, 


1814 


400 


3,378 


Rome, 


Pike, - 


1816 


430 


2,464 


Petersburg, 


Posey, 


1814 


500 


6,»83 


Mount Vernon, 


Putnam, 


1821 


490 


8,195 


Greencastle, 


Randolph, - 


1818 


440 


3,912 


Winchester, 


Ripley, 


1818 


400 


3,957 


Versailles, 


Rush, 


1821 


400 


9,918 


Rushville, 


Scott, 


1817 


200 


3,097 


Lexington, 


Shelby, 


1821 


430 


6,294 


Shelbyville, 


Spencer, 


1818 


400 


3,187 


Rockport, 


St. Joseph, - 


1830 


740 


287 


South Bend, 


Sullivan, 


1816 


430 


4,696 


Merom, 


Switzerland, 


1814 


300 


7,111 


Vevay, 


Tippecanoe, 


1826 


500 


7,161 


Lafayette, 


Union, 


1821 


224 


7,957 


Liberty, 


Vandeburgh, 


1818 


225 


2,610 


Evansville, 


Vermillion, 


1823 


280 


5,706 


New Port, 


Vigo, - 


1818 


400 


5,737 


Terre Haute, 


Wabash, 


1832 


380 







Warren, 


1828 


350 


2,854 


William sport, 


Warrick, - 


1813 


412 


2,973 


Boonville, 


Washington, 


1813 


550 


13,072 


Salem, 


Wayne, 


1810 


420 


23,344 


Centreville. 



The total population in 1830, was 343,031. The esti- 
mated population in the message of Gov. Noble to the 
Legislature, December, 1835, was 600,000. 

The counties in which the population has not been 



24 



218 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM. 

given in the foregoing table, have been formed since 
1830. Probably other new counties, along the waters of 
the Wabash and Kankakee, have been formed recently, 
of which no intelligence has yet reached us. 

Note. — For the want of space, we have omitted the 
names of townships. 

- Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Allen county ? 

A. Allen county, Indiana, bounded E. by Paulding 
county, Ohio ; it lies to the N. E. from Huntington coun- 
ty, Indiana. To the W., N. and S. the bounding counties 
uncertain. It is a square of 26 miles each side. 

A canal to cross this county, and to unite the navigable 
waters of Maumee and Wabash is in actual progress. 

The streams are St. Joseph's and St. Mary's, which 
form the Maumee of Lake Erie, navigable for small keel 
boats — and numerous creeks. 

It is generally heavy timbered ; the soil is clay ; — sandy 
on the rivers.* 

Q. What are the boundaries, &e. of Bartholomew 
county ? 

A. Bartholomew county, of Indiana, bounded by John- 
son N. W., Shelby N, E., Decatur E., Jennings, S. E., 
Jackson S., Monroe W. Length 24 miles; mean width 
20. The slope of this county is nearly southward. 

Streams— Driftwood, Clifty, Flat Rock, and Salt Creeks 
— all mill streams. Surface level ; soil, a rich loam, mixed 
with sand and gravel ; the western part hilly, with clay 
soil. Minerals, limestone, coal, iron ore, red ochre. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Boone county ? 

A. Boone county, of Indiana, bounded S. by Hendricks. 
W. by Montgomery, N. by Clinton, E. by Hamilton, and 
S. E. by Marion. Length 26, breadth 20 miles. The slope 
is westward, and drained in that direction by Sugar and 

* For seats of justice see table. page, 



OF INDIANA. 279 

;on creeks, and other streams flowing into Wabash 
river. Surface level, and soil rich. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Carroll county ? 

A. Carroll is bounded on the E. by Cass and Miami, 
on the S. and S. W, by Clinton and Tippecanoe, and on 
\. and N. W. by counties unknown. 

Streams — Wabash river, Deer, Rock, and branches cf 
Wildcat creeks. Considerable timber, some prairies, of 
which Deer prairie is the largest and most beautiful. 
Considerable quantities of limestone on the surface ; a 
remarkable spring near Delphi — the water reddish. 

Q. What are the bGirndaries, &c. of Cass county ? 

A. Cass county, Indiana, bounded E. b}' Miami county, 
& W. by Carroll county, on other sides boundaries un- 
certain. As laid down in Tanner's improved map of the 
United States, it is in length 24 miles from east to west; 
mean breadth 18 miles. Slope very nearly due west. 
The main stream of Wabash receives Eel river, from the 
right at LoganspGrt, the seat of justice of this county, the 
village standing on the point between the two rivers. 

Logansport is the head of steamboat navigation of the 
"Wabash, and termination of the w T est and east canal. 
>S -.it-face generally level, rolling towards the rivers with 
abrupt bluffs ; soil, near the rivers, a mixture of loam and 
sand ; at a distance from them, fiat and clayey. Large 
proportion forest land ; some prairies. 

Q,. What are the boundaries, &c. of Clark county ? 

A. Clark county, Indiana, bounded by Floyd S. W., 
Washington W., Scott N., Jefferson N. E.; Ohio river 
separating it from Oldham county, Kentucky, E. and S. 
E., and from Jefferson county, Kentucky, S. The slope 
of this county is almost directly south towards Ohio river. 
Silver creek rises in Clark, and flowing south, falls into 
Ohio river, at the lower end of the rapids at Louisville. 



^80 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

Surface, rolling and hilly; soil, loam, mixed with sand* 
Minerals, limestone, gypsum, water lime, marble, salt, 
iron ore, copperas, alum. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Clay county ? 

A. Clay county, of Indiana, bounded S. W. by Sullivan, 
W. and N. W. by Vigo, N. by Parke, N, E. by Putnam, 
E. and S. E. by Owen, and S. by Greene. Length from 
south to north, 30 miles, mean breadth 12, Slopes to the 
southward, and is drained by Eel river, a branch of the 
west fork of White river. Creeks flowing westward into 
the Wabash river, rise along the western border of Clay, 
but the body of the county is in the valley of Eel river. 

The surface of this county is moderately undulating J 
soil various, but chiefly clay and loam, and a mixture of 
galld, in some places predominates ; but there are some 
prairies. 

Q. What are the boundaries, «&c. of Clintou county? 

A. Clinton county, of Indiana, bounded by Boone S.„ 
Tippecanoe W., Carroll N. W., Miami N. E., and 
Hamilton county S. E. Length from east to west 24 
miles; breadth 15. The slope of this county is nearly 
due west, and drained by the eastern branches of Wild 
Cat river, towards the more considerable stream of the 
Wabash. 

The surface of this county is gently undulating, or 
level. Twelve Mile prairie extends from south-west to 
north-east, 12 miles, and is three-fourths of a mile wide. 
The remainder is timbered land. The soil, a rich sandy 
loam, and exceedingly fertile. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Crawford county ? 

A. Crawford county, of Indiana, bounded by Perry S. 
W., Dubois N. W., Orange N., Washington N. E., Harri- 
son E., and Ohio river, separating it from Meade county, 
Kentucky, S. Length 24, mean breadth 14 miles. The 



OF INDIANA. 281 

is to the south, and towards Ohio river. The surface 
very broken. 

The waters of Crawford county are the Ohio and Blue 
1 ivers, plenty of water power, and excellent springs. Sur- 
face hi!!y and broken; in places tolerably productive; in 
others, soil thin and rocky. It is a timbered region ; and 
abundance of limestone. 

Q. What are the boundaries, Sec. of Daviess county? 
A. It is bounded on the north by Green, on the east by 
Martin, on the south by Dubois, and Pike, and on the 
by Knox counties. Its streams are Forks and 
:■ river, with its tributaries, Smother's, Prairie, Veal, 
Aikman's, and Sugar creeks. Level bottoms on the 
rivers : sometimes inundated ; undulating on the high 
grounds. Soil on the west Fork, sandy; much timber; 
an extensive tract of sugar tree; some prairies. The 
county is destitute of rock near the surface. Plenty of 
and sandstone in the bed of West Fork of White 
■/, at the rapids ; plenty of coal. 
Q. What are the boundaries &c. cf Dearborn county ? 
Dearborn county, Indiana, bounded by Switzerland 
-., Ripley W., and Franklin N. ; again on the N. 
E. it is bounded by Hamilton county, Ohio, and on the 
S. E. by the Ohio river, separating.it from Boone county, 
Kentucky. Length 27, mean breadth 15 miles. The slope 
.is county is rather east of southeast, towards the 
Miami and Ohio rivers. 

This county is watered by tke Great Miami, White- 
water, Loughery, Hogan's and Farmer's creeks. The 
ice is hilly and broken, with rich, level bottom lands, 
- n the Miami. Soil, one- fourth first rate, one-fourth second 
rate, remainder inferior. It is a timbered region. 

Q. What are the boundaries, «jcc. of Decatur county > 
A. Decatur county, Indiana, bounded S. E. by Ripley, 
S. by Jennings, S. W. by Bartholomew, N. W. by Shelby, 
24* 



282 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

N. by Rush, and N. E. by Franklin. Length diagonally 
from south-west to north-east 30 miles, mean breadth 10, 

Flat Rock, Ciifty, and Sand creeks, are all good mili 
streams. Surface, generally level — some parts undulat- 
ing; soil, loam, with a substratum of clay; well adapted 
to grain— timbered. Minerals, limestone, some iron ore 
and coal. 

A slip along the east border gives source to Loughery's 
creek, flowing south-east, over Ripley and Switzerland 
counties, into the Ohio, and. to Salt creek, entering White 
Water branch of Great Miami ; but the body of the coun- 
ty declines to the south-west, and is drained in that direc- 
tion by Sand, Ciifty, and Flat Reck creeks, flowing into 
the East Fork of White river. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Delaware county ? 

A. Delaware county is bounded N. by Grant and Adams, 
on the E. by Randolph, on the S. by Henry, and on the 
W. by Harrison and the southern part of Grant county. 
It is nearly 22 miles long by 20 broad. 

The Mississinawa and White rivers rising in Randolph, 
traverse Delaware in which they diverge ; the former to 
the north-west, the latter to the west. Surface, tolerably 
level; soil, loam, mixed with sand. Minerals, some lime- 
stone, and granite bowlders scattered over the surface. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Dubois county ? 

A. Dubois county, of Indiana, bounded X. E. by Martin 
and the south-west part of Orange, E. by Crawford, S. E. 
by Perry, S. by Spencer, W. by Pike, and JV. W. and N. 
"by the East Fork of White river, separating it from Da- 
viess. Length 24 miles, mean breadth 20. Though this 
county bounds on the East Fork of White river, the far 
greater part of the surface is drained by the Patoka and 
confluent creeks, and slopes westward. Surface rolling; 
some parts hilly and broken, — some level tracts; soil rich, 



OF INDIANA, 283 

and sandy loam near the streams. Minerals, sand rock 
and coal. 

<J. What are the boundaries <&c. of Elkhart county ? 

A. Elkhart county, of Indiana, bounded by La Grange 
county, E., the Putawatomie territory S. E. and S., St. 
Joseph's county W., Berrien county of Michigan N. W., 
and Cass county of Michigan, N. E. Length from south 
to north 26 miles, breadth 20. The south-western angle 
gives source to the Kankakee branch of Illinois, and de- 
clines westward, The northern part also declines west- 
ward, but is traversed in that direction by the main 
volume of St. Joseph river. Elkhart river, from which the 
county derives its name, enters the southeastern angle, 
and flowing N. N. W. falling into St. Joseph river, and 
receiving confluents from both sides, gives a slope in that 
direction to the body of the county. Surface, generally 
level — a portion undulating ; soil various, but generally 
rich ; forest and prairie, both w T et and dry. 

Q. What ars the boundaries, &c. of Fayette county ? 

A. Fayette county, of Indiana, bounded by Franklin S., 
Rush W., Henry N. W., Wayne N. E., and Union E. 
Length from south to north, 13 miles, mean breadth 10. 
This county is traversed by the main stream, and is chiefly 
comprised in the valley of White river. It is also watered 
by a small lake in the north. Surface undulating; soil on 
the high ground clayey, and a mixture of sand ; on the bot- 
to:n lands, a rich, sandy loam. Limestone found in masses 
and quarries. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Floyd county ? 

Floyd county, of Indiana, bounded by Harrison S. S. 
W. and W., Washington, N. W., Clark N. E. and E., and 
tiie Ohio river separating it from Jefferson county, Ken- 
tucky S. E. Length 20 miles, mean breadth 15. This 
county lies directly opposite Louisville in Kentucky. The 
slope is southward. It is watered by the Ohio river, Sil- 



294 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

ver creek, and some head branches of Big and Little 
Indian creeks. Surface various — a range of knobs : east 
of these knobs, it is gently undulating; soil inferior. 
Minerals, shale, soft sandstone, limestone, freestone, iron 
ore, and some traces of coal. A boiling spring is also 
found in this county, from which is emitted an inflamma- 
ble gas. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Fountain county ? 
A. Fountain county, of Indiana, bounded by Tippeca- 
noe on the N. E., Montgomery E., Parke S., Wabash river 
separating it from Vermillion, S. W., and Wabash river 
again separating it from Warren W. and N. W. Great- 
est length along the eastern border 30, mean breadth 16 
miles. Slope southwestward towards the Wabash. It 
is watered by the Wabash river, and Coal and Shawnee 
creeks, with numerous mill sites, the water power in 
same places being of a superior character. Surface gently 
undulating ; soil, a black loam, mixed with sand, and ex- 
ceedingly rich. Minerals, coal and some sandstone. 
Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Franklin county? 
A. Franklin county is bounded by Dearborn S., Rip- 
ley S. W., Decatur W., Rush N. W., Fayette and Union 
N., and Butler county of Ohio E. Length nearly 24, 
breadth 21 miles. This county is almost entirely com- 
prised in the valley of W T hite Water river, the main vol- 
ume of which traverses it from northwest to southeast. 
The surface rather hilly. The soil in the central and 
northern parts is black loam ; in the southwest thin and 
clayey. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Gibson county ? 
A. Gibson county is bounded N. by White river, sepa- 
rating it from Knox county; N. E. and E. by Pike; S. E. 
by Warrick; S. by Vanderburg; S. W. by Posey, and 
VV. and N. W. by Wabash river, separating it from Wa- 
bash county, Illinois. Greatest length from east to west 



OF INDIANA. 285 

e>e> miles, mean breadth 16. Slope of the northern and 
western section very nearly due west, and in that direc- 
tion the northern part is traversed by Patoka river. The 
southeastern angle gives source to Great Pigeon creek, a 
confluent of Ohio river, and declines southwardly towards 
that comparatively large recipient. The surface is rolling 
and timbered; soil generally a sandy loam, and produc- 
tive. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c, of Grant county ? 

A. Grant county is bounded N. W. by Miami county, 
S. by Wabash and Huntingdon counties, S. E. by Dela- 
ware county, and S. by Madison. Breadth 18 miles, mean 
length 20. The Mississinawa river enters near the south- 
ern, and leaves it at the northwestern ""^ fannnrr ^ 
the N. W., the general slope of the county being in that 
direction. The extreme northern sources of White river 
are, however, in the southwestern angle of this county, 
and flow to the southwest, and from the opposite angle 
issues a branch of Salamanic river, flowing to the north- 
west. The surface is level ; generally heavily timbered. 
Soil, clay and loam on the table lands, sandy on the river 
bottoms. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Greene county ? 

A. Greene county is bounded by Daviess S., Knox S. 
W., Sullivan W., Clay N. W., Owen N. E., Monroe E., 
and Lawrence S. E. It is a parellelogram. Length 30 
miles from east to west, breadth 18. Slope a little west 
of south, and in that direction traversed, and nearly 
equally divided by the main stream of the Western Fork 
of White river. Its streams are White and Eel rivers, and 
Richland creek. Soil on the rivers is a rich loam ; on the 
bluffs, sandy. East side is hilly and west side level. 
White river is navigable. Minerals, lime, sandstone, coal, 
and some iron ore. 



<JSG GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

Q. What are the boundaries? &c. of Hamilton county ? 

A. Hamilton county is bounded S. E. by Hancock, S. 
by Marion, W. by Boone, N. by Miamis and E. by Madi- 
son. It is a square of 21 miles, each way. Slope south- 
west, and in that direction is traversed by the mtrin stream 
of While river, and also by Cicere, Coal, Stoney, and 
Pall creeks. This county is as yet almost entirely forest } 
some few prairies ; soil in some places clayey, but more 
generally a sandy loam. Minerals, lime and some soft 
sand rock. 

Q. What are the boundaries, <&c. of Eanco:k county 
A. Hancock county is bounded by Rush southeast, 
Shelby south, Marion west, Hamilton northwest, Madison 
rjprth; and Henry northeast. Length 20, mean breadth 1& 
miles. Slope southward, and in that direction drained by 
the northwestern sources of the Driftwood fork of White 
river. 

Watered by Blue river, Sugar and Brandy wine creeks, 
with excellent mill sites, and well supplied with springs. 
Surface, either level or gently undulating ; soil, a rich 
loam, mixed with sand, heavily timbered. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Hair son county ? 
A. Harrison county is bounded by Crawford north- 
west, Washington north, Floyd northeast, Ohio river sep- 
arating it from Jefferson county, Kentucky, east ; and 
Ohio river separating it from Meade county, Kentucky ^ 
south and southwest. Slope southwest towards, and at 
right angles nearly to, that part of Ohio river between 
Otter creek of Kentucky, and Blue river of Indiana. 

Harrison county is watered by Big and Little Indian, 
and Buck creeks, and Blue river. Surface various,— 
some parts hilly and broken, — some parts undulating,— 
some parts level ; soil in the low grounds, a rich loam,— . 
on the high grounds, calcareous and gravelly. A larg* 



OF INDIANA. 

hart of " barrens" in the west. Minerals ; a quarry and 
several caves of black flint, salt licks, and limestone. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Hendricks county? 

A. Hendricks county is bounded south by Morgan, W. 
by Putnam, northwest by Montgomery, north by Boone, 
and east by Marion. It is a square of 21 miles each way, 

The waters are White Lick, and branches of Eel river, 
with good mill sites. Surface gently rolling, and timbered 
with the varieties of the Wabash country; soil, a mixture 
of clay, loam, and sand. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Henry county ? 

A. Henry county is bounded north by Delaware, on 
the east by Wayne and Randolph, on the south by Fayette 
and Rush, and on the west by Hancock and Madison. 

Henry county is watered by Blue river, Flat 'Rock and 
Fall creeks. Surface in some places, broken, — in most 
parts, level ; soil, a mixture of sand with loam and clay^ 
Plenty of springs and mill sites. Mostly timbered, but 
several tracts of prairie. 

Q. Can you describe Huntington county ? 

A. Huntington is bounded by Grant county southwest^ 
Wabash county west, and on the other sides boundaries 
uncertain. Length from south to north 24 miles, breadth 
fifteen. 

The general slope of this county is westward, though 
the Salamanic and Wabash proper traverse it in a north- 
west direction, but the latter receives near the centre of 
the county Little river from Allen county, flowing from 
the northwest, and some smaller confluents from the 
north. Below the junction^of the Wabash and Little ri- 
ver, the united streams fall over rapids, at the foot of 
which the river becomes navigable. The centre of this 
county is about 90 miles N. northeast from Indianopolis. 
Surface, on the rivers, level, — back, gently undulating ; 



288 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

soil loam and clay, with a slight mixture of sand. There 
are several tracts of prairie, but it is generally forest land. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Jackson county ? 

A. Jackson county is bounded southeast by Scott, south 
by the south branch of White river, separating it from 
Washington ; west by Lawrence, north by Bartholomew, 
and east by Jennings. Length 30 miles, mean breadth, 
twenty. 

Slope southwest, and traversed by Driftwood, Indian, 
White, Muscatatack, and Gum creeks. Surface rolling, 
and in places hiJy ; soil clay and loam, mixed with sand. 
In the forks of the creeks, sand predominates. On the 
west and northwest inclined to clay. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Jefferson county? 

A. Jefferson county is bounded byOhio river, separat- 
ing it from Gallatin county Kentucky, southeast ; Clarke 
southwest ; Jennings northwest ; Ripley north ; and 
Switzerland northeast. Length 25 miles, mean breadth, 
fifteen. 

The features of this county are remarkable ; though 
bounded by the Ohio river, it is drained almost from the 
margin of that stream by creeks, which flow directly 
from it into the valley of White river, namely, Indian, 
Kentucky, and Big creeks. Surface is various ; along the 
river and creeks, it is low alluvion soil, loam mixed with 
sand. The bottoms are bounded by precipitous bluffs, 
with towering cliffs of limestone. The table lands are un- 
dulating, and the soil inclined to clay. Timber various. 
It abounds with limestone, masses of freestone, and scat- 
tered granite bowlders. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Jennings county r 

A. Jennings is bounded by Jefferson county south, 
Scott west, Jackson northwest, Bartholomew northwest, 
Decatur north, and Ripley northeast. Length 26 miles. 



OP INDIANA. 289 

mean breadth 20. Slope southwest. Drained by Gra- 
ham's Fork, and the North Fork of the Muscatatack. 

Surface in some parts level, in others very hilly. Soil is 
calcareous, rich and productive. Timber of all varieties. 
It abounds with limestone. 

Describe Johnson county. 

Johnson county is bounded by Bartholomew south, 
Morgan west, Marion north, and Shelby east. Length 
22 miles, breadth 18. 

It is watered on the eastern side by Blue river, and 
Sugar and Young's creeks ; on the western side by In- 
diana, Crooked and Scott's creeks. Surface is gently un- 
dulating ; soil a rich, black, sandy loam ; well timbered. 
Minerals ; masses of freestone, and scattered granite 
bowlders. 

Describe Knox county. 

Knox county occupies the lower part of the peninsula 
between the Wabash and White rivers, opposite Wabash 
and Lawrence counties, Illinois, and having Sullivan and 
Greene counties on the north. Extreme length, 50 miles, 
mean breadth 10. It has the Wabash on the west side, 
White river south, the West Fork of White ri^er east, and 
Maria and Duchain in the interior. Surface undulating, 
soil, somewhat various, — a rich loam in places, — sandy 
in other places ; some tracts of prairie, but timber predo- 
minates. 

Describe La Porte county. 

Laporte county is bounded north by the lake and state 
of Michigan, east by St. Joseph's county, south and west 
by the Indian country. 

it is watered by the Kankakee, Galena, and Trail creek* 
at the mouth of which is Michigan city, and a harbor for 
lake Michigan commerce. Surface, gently undulating; 
abounds with large, rich prairies, with groves of timber, 

25 



290 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

and lakes of clear water interspersed ; soil, a sandy loam, 
rich and productive. 

Describe La Grange county. f 

La Grange is bounded by Elkhart county west; St* 
Joseph's county, Michigan, northwest and north ; Branch 
county, Michigan, northeast ; other boundaries uncertain. 
Length from west to east 30 miles, mean breadth 18. 

Slope northwest and west, and in that direction drain- 
ed by Pigeon river and other confluents of St. Joseph's 
river of lake Michigan. 

Surface is gently undulating. In the northern part are 
extensive prairies. The southern part is chiefly forest, — 
Soil is loam and sand. 

Describe Lawrence county. 1 
Lawrence county is bounded south by Orange, Martin 
southwest, Greene northwest, Monroe north, Jackson 
east, and Washington southeast. It is about 22 miles 
square. It is traversed from east to west by the main 
volume of the south fork of White river, and is watered 
by several creeks. Surface, generally hilly — some level 
lands ; soil, on the water courses, sandy — back from the 
streams, loam and clay. Limestone abundant. 

Describe Madison county. 

Madison county is bounded by Hancock south, Hamil- 
ton west, Grant north, Delaware northeast, and Henry 
southeast. Length 30 miles, breadth 18. Slope south- 
west, and drained by the main stream and various 
branches of White river. 

The west fork of White river is navigable. The other 
streams are Killbuck, Pipe, Lick, and Fall creeks. Sur- 
face generally level, with some broken land near the 
streams ; timbered with a wet prairie, 7 miles long and 
| of a miles wide, soil, sand mixed with clay and loam, 



' OP INDIANA: 291 

productive. Minerals; lime and freestone, marble that 
polishes well, and some traces of iron ore. 
Describe Marion county. 

Marion county is bounded by Johnson south, Morgan 
southwest, Hendricks west, Boone northwest, Hamilton 
north, and Hancock east. It is a square of 20 miles each 
way. 

This county is traversed in a direction of south-south- 
west by the main stream of White river, which divides it 
into two not very unequal sections. The surface, every- 
thing considered, is, perhaps, unsurpassed. Fall creek is 
an excellent mill stream. The soil is a deep black loam 
with a mixture of sand. Large granite bowlders are scat- 
tered over the surface. 

Describe Martin county. 

Martin county is bounded on the north by Greene, 
east by Lawrence and Orange, south by Dubois, and west 
by Daviess. The east fork of White river passes through 
it, and receives Lost river from the left, and Indian and 
Flint creeks from the right. The surface on the east side 
«f White river is broken and hilly ; the soil clay and loam 
On the west side, it is leve], or gently undulating, with 
portions of barrens and prairie land ; soil, clay and loam, 
mixed with sand. Minerals: coal in large quantities, 
lime, sand, and freestone. 

Describe 3f iami county. 

Miami county is bounded northeast by Wabash county, 
southeast by Grant; Miami's territory south, Cass county 
west, and to the north uncertain. Length from south to 
north 30 miles, mean breadth 10. 

Slope to the west, and in that direction it is traversed 
by the main Wabash in the centre, by the Mississinawa 
to the south, and Eel river to the north. These rivers 
unite near its western border at Miamisport. 

The Wabash and Erie canal passes through this county. 



292 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

Surface gently undulating and beautiful, — chiefly forest, 
and interspersed with small prairies ; soil, the richest in 
the state, of loam, clay, and sand intermixed. 

Describe the boundaries, etc. of Monroe county. 

Monroe county is bounded by Lawrence S., Greene 
southwest, Owen northwest, Morgan north, and east by- 
counties uncertain. Length 24 miles, mean breadth 20. 

The northern part slopes westward, and is drained by 
Bean Blossom creek, a branch of White river, and the 
southern section slopes to the southward and is drained 
by Salt creek, a branch of the south fork of White river. 
The waters of this county are pure springs, The sur- 
face is hilly and undulating; soil, second rate. The mi- 
nerals are limestone rock, and salt licks, with manufacto- 
ries of salt. 

Describe Montgomery county. 

Montgomery county is bounded by Putnam south, 
Parke southwest, Tippecanoe north, Boon east, and Hen- 
dricks southeast. Length 24 miles, breadth 21. Slope to 
the southwest, and in that direction is traversed by Sugar 
and Raccoon creeks, branches of Wabash river. 

The surface of this county is gently undulating; the 
northern portion prairie, interspersed with groves, with 
a rich soil of black loam, mixed with sand ; the middle 
and southern portions are timbered. Excellent quarries 
of rock in the middle, granite bowlders in the northern 
parts. 

Describe Morgan county. 

Morgan county is bounded by Monroe south, Owen 
southwest, Putnam northwest, Hendricks north, Marion 
northeast, and Johnson east. Length 26 miles, breadth, 
twenty-one. 

This county approaching very nearly to a square, is en- 
tered near the northeastern angle by the main stream of 
White river, which crossing diagonally, leaves it at the 



OF INDIANA. ^ 293 

southwestern angle, after having divided it into two not 
very unequal sections. 

The mill streams are White Lick, Sycamore, Highland, 
and Lamb's creeks on the west side, and Crooked, Stott's, 
Clear, and Indian creeks on the east side. Surface, gene- 
rally rolling, — some parts hilly ; soil, calcerous and clayey 
— on the bottoms, a rich sandy loam. Minerals, limestone, 
and some iron ore. 

Describe the boundaries, etc, of Orange county. 

Orange county is bounded south by Crawford, souths 
west by Dubois, northwest by Martin, north by Lawrence, 
and east by Washington. It is a square of 21 miles each 
way. 

Streams : Lost river, French Lick, and Patoka. Sur* 
face, hilly and broken, — limestone rock, — springs of wa- 
ter, of which Half moon and French Lick are curiosi- 
ties. On the alluvial bottoms, the soil is loamy, — on the 
hills, calcareous, and incline I to clay. Excellent stones 
for grit, equal to the Turkey oil stones, are found in this 
county. 

i/% Describe the boundaries, etc. of Owen county. 

Owen county is bounded by Dubois south, Daviess 
west, north by Martin, and by Lawrence and Orange 
east. It is twenty-four miles in length, and eighteen in 
breadth. 

Owen county is watered by the west fork of White 
river, with its tributaries, Raccoon, Indian, Mill, Rattle- 
snake, and Fish creeks. The Falls of Eel river furnish 
the best water power in the state. 

Surface rolling ; soil, in some places, a dark loam, in 
others clayey and calcareous. Minerals: immense bodies 
of lime rock, and some iron ore. 

2.5* 



294 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHIS3I 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Parke county ? 

A. Parke county is bounded on the north by Fountain 
and Montgomery, east and southeast by Putnam, south 
by Vigo and Clay, and west by Vermillion. Length and 
breadth nearly 27 miles each. 

It is watered by the Big and Little Raccoon and Sugar 
creeks, (with excellent mill seats,) all of which enter the 
Wabash on its western side. Surface is generally level. 
There are some beautiful quarries, but more forest land. 
The soil is a loam mixed with sand, and is extremely rich, 
The minerals are lime and sandstone, coal and iron ore. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Perry county ? 

A. Perry county is bounded west by Spencer, north- 
west by Dubois, north by Crawford, and by the Ohio 
river, separating it from Meade county, Kentucky, east ; 
Breckenridge county, Kentucky, south, and Hancock 
county, Kentucky, southwest. Length from south to 
north 30 miles, mean breadth 15. Slope southward to- 
wards Ohio river. The surface is very broken, as it com- 
prises a part of the great buttress of Ohio river, and 
reaches west to the dividing ridge between that stream 
and White river. 

The interior is watered by Anderson's, Bear, Poison, 
«nd Oil creeks- All the high lands have a clayey, sterile 
soil; the level land has a rich sandy loam. The minerals 
are immense bodies of limestone, grindstone quarries, 
iron ore and coal. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Pike county ? 

A. Pike county is bounded by Warrick south, Gibson 
west, White river separating it from Knox northwest, the 
eastern branch of White river separating it from Daviess 
northeast, and by Dubois county east ; mean length from 
south to north 22 miles, mean breadth 18. The slope of 
£his county is very nearly due west, and in that direction 



OF INDIANA. 295 

is traversed by Patoka river. The course also of both 
branches of White river, where they bound the county, is 
also to the west. Patoka creek passes through the centre. 
The surface is all forest land and undulating ; the soil in 
the eastern part is clay and sand, in the western a rich, 
dark loam, mixed with sand ; there is some swampy land. 
Minerals are limestone and coal. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Posey county ? 

A. Posey county is bounded north by Gibson, east by 
Vanderburg, Ohio river south, separating it from Hender- 
son and Union counties, Kentucky, by Wabash river 
separating it from Gallatin county, Illinois, southwest, and 
White county, Illinois, west. Greatest length from south 
to north, 32 miles ; mean breadth 1G. Though bordered 
on the southward by Ohio river, the slope of Posey 
county is westward towards the Wabash river. 

In the interior, are Big, Mill, and M'Fadden's creeks. 
The surface is rolling, and all forest land. The soil is 
sandy loam, and produces luxuriantly. The minerals, 
are limestone and coal. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Putnam county ? 

A. Putnam county is bounded by Owen south, Clay 
southwest, Parke west and northwest, Montgomery north, 
Hendricks northeast and east, and Morgan southeast. 
Length 30 miles, breadth 20. Raccoon creek, a branch 
flowing southwest over the northwestern angle, flows 
thence over Parke into Wabash; but the much larger 
section inclines to the south-southwest, and is in that di- 
rection drained by the higher constituents of Eel river, 
branch of the north fork of White river. 

The surface is gently undulating ; soil in some places 
calcareous and clayey, and in others a rich loam. Lime- 
stone abounds in this county. 



296 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

Q» What are the boundaries, etc. of Randolph county * 

A. Randolph county is bounded by Wayne south, 
Henry southwest, Delaware west and northwest, Adams 
north. Length 24, breadth 24 miles. 

This county is a real table land, from which flow to the 
northwest the higher sources of Mississinawa, branch of 
Wabash ; the extreme source of White river rises on the 
west border of Darke county, Ohio, and flowing west- 
ward traverses Randolph ; and finally the whole southern 
side gives source to, and is drained by the extreme sources 
of White Water, branch of Great Miami. 

The surface is either level or greatly undulating ; and 
the soil a rich loam. In some places, however, it is 
marshy. There is a small quantity of limestone, with 
granite bowlders. 

Q. What are the boundaries, etc. of Ripley county ? 

A. Ripley county is bounded by Jefferson south, Jen- 
nings west, Decatur northwest, Franklin north, Dearborn 
east, and Switzerland southeast. Length 27 miles, mean 
breadth 16. The western part of this county gives source 
to the extreme eastern branches of the south fork of 
White river, and which flow westward ; the residue is 
drained by Loughery and Graham's creek. Surface level, 
forest land ; soil clay — in some parts inclined to sand, with 
limestone abundant 

Q. What are the boundaries, etc. of Rush county? 

A. Rush county is bounded by Decatur south, Shelby 
southwest, Hancock northwest, Henry north, Fayette 
northeast, and Franklin southeast. Length from south to 
north 24 miles, breadth 20. Slope southwest, and drained 
by numerous branches of the Driftwood fork of White 
river. The branches are Big and Little Blue rivers, Big 
and Little Flat Rock, with excellent water power. The 



Of INDIANA. 297 

surface is moderately rolling, and heavily timbered. The 
soil a loam or clay, with a slight mixture of sand. 

Q. What are the boundaries, etc. of Scott county ? 

A. Scott county is bounded by Clark south, Washing- 
ton west, Jackson northwest, Jennings north, and Jeffer- 
son northeast and east. Length 20 miles, mean width 10. 
Slope northwest by west, and in that direction drained by 
creeks, falling into Graham's Fork of White river. 

The waters of this county are the tributaries of Mus- 
catatack. The surface is generally rolling; some flat 
lands, inclining to marsh; — soil is clay. The minerals 
are limestone, iron ore, salt, sulphur, and copperas. 

Q. What are the boundaries, etc. of Shelby county ? 

A. Shelby county is bounded southeast by Decatur, 
Bartholomew south, Johnson west, Marion northwest, 
Hancock north, and Rush east. Length from south to 
north, 24 miles, breadth 18. Slope south-southwest, and 
in that direction drained by different branches of Drift- 
wood. fork of White river. 

The names of the waters of this county are Big and 
Little Blue river, Brandywine, and Sugar creeks. They 
have good mill-seats. The surface is generally level, with 
forest land ; the soil clay mixed with loam. 

Q. What are the boundaries, etc. of Spencer county ? 

A. Spencer county is bounded west by Little Pigeon 
river, separating it from Warrick, Dubois north, Ander- 
son's creek east, separating it from Perry, and the Ohio 
river separating it from Hancock county, Kentucky, 
southeast, Daviess county, Kentucky, south, and Hender- 
son county, Kentucky, southwest. Length from south to 
north 32 miles, mean width 14. General slope is south- 
ward towards Ohio river. 

It is generally forest land; the soil clay mixed with 
loam. The minerals are coal and lime, and sand-rock* 



298 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

Q. What aie the boundaries, etc. of St. Joseph's county ? 

A. St. Joseph's county is bounded on the east by Elk* 
hart, on the north by Michigan territory, on the west by 
La Porte, on the south not known, Its rivers are St. Jo- 
seph's, Kankakee, and Bobango, with some small creeks. 
There are extensive marshes on the Kankakee, and near 
the south bend of the St. Joseph's. These marshes are of 
vegetable formation. The surface is in some parts level, 
in others gently undulating. The soil a loam, — in some 
places sand. The northwest part is chiefly prairies and 
barrens, including the large and fertile prairies of Portage 
and Terre Coupe. The northeastern are barrens ; the 
southeastern forest. The minerals are granite bowlders, 
and bog iron ore. 

Q. What are the boundaries, etc. of Sullivan connty ? 

A. Sullivan county is bounded on the north by Vigo, 
on the northeast by Clay, east by Greene, south by Knox, 
and west by Illinois or Wabash river. Beside the Wa- 
bash on its western boundary, there are Gurman's, Bus- 
saron, and Turtle creeks, in the interior. The surface is 
rolling. There are some quarries — but generally forest 
land; some barrens. The soil of a loam and sand. Min- 
erals lime and sand-rock, and coal. 

Q. What are the boundaries, etc. of Switzerland county ? 

A. It is bounded on the north by Ripley and Dearborn, 
on the east and south, bordering on Kentucky, from which 
it is divided by the Ohio river, and on the west by Jeffer- 
son. Beside the Ohio on the east and south, it has Plum, 
Indian, Bryant's, Turtle, and Grant's creeks, in the inte- 
rior. The surface is various, — bottom lands level and 
rich; then a range of precipitous bluffs, with cliffs of lime-, 
stone. The table land rolling, with a calcareous and 
clayey soil. At Vevay are extensive vineyards. 

Q. What are the boundaries, etc. of Tippecanoe county i 1 

A. Tippecanoe county is bounded northeast by Carroll, 



OF INDIANA. 299 

Clinton east, Montgomery south, Fountain southwest, 
Warren west and northwest; northern boundaries un- 
certain. Length from south to north 24, breadth 21 miles. 
The main stream of the Wabash in a southwest direction 
traverses this county, leaving about one-third of the sur- 
face on the northwest or right side. The residue, on the 
left side of Wabash, slopes northward towards that river, 
The Wabash affords navigation, — and the other streams, 
namely, Wildcat, Wea, Burnett's, and Mill Branch creeks, 
most excellent mill sites. The surface is gently undulat- 
ing — with extensive level tracts, and consists of one-half 
prairie, one-eighth barrens, and the remainder heavy for- 
est land. The prairie soil is a rich, black loam — the bar- 
rens cold, wet clay ; the forest is a very rich loam and 
sand. 

Q. What are the boundaries, etc. of Union county ? 

A. Union, one of the eastern counties of Indiana, is 
bounded by Franklin south, Fayette west, Wayne north, 
Preble county, Ohio, northeast and east, and Butler 
county, Ohio, south. Length 14 miles, breadth 11. Slope 
southward, and traversed and drained by White Water 
river. Florman's, Riceland, and Silver creeks, tributaries 
of White Water river, all furnish excellent mill sites. 
The surface moderately rolling ; the soil a dark loam. 

Q. What are the boundaries, etc. of Vanderburg county ? 

A. Vanderburg county is bounded west by Posey, Gib- 
son north, Warwick east, and the Ohio river south, sepa- 
rating it from Henderson county, Kentucky. Area 225 
square miles. Slope southwestward, and drained into 
the Ohio and Wabash rivers. The surface very hilly, and 
quite rocky, but soil fertile. Minerals, lime and sand- 
stone, salines, and a mineral spring. 

Q. What are the boundaries, etc. of Vermillion county ? 

A. Vermillion county is bounded by Warren county 
north, Wabash river separating it from Fountain county 



300 GEOGAPHICAL CATECHISM 

northeast* and Parke southeast ; it has Vigo county south, 
Edgar county, Illinois, southwest, and Vermillion county, 
Illinois, northwest. Slope eastward towards Wabash 
river, and in that direction it is drained by Vermillion 
river, and numerous other streams. Length from south 
to north 38 miles, mean breadth 8. Surface high, rolling 
land, with abrupt bluffs near the streams ; a good propor- 
tion of prairie and timber. Soil, rich, sandy loam, and 
very productive. Minerals, freestone and limestone, and 
large coal banks. 

Q. What are the boundaries, etc. of Vigo county ? 

A. Vigo county is bounded by Vermillion county, In- 
diana, north, Parke northeast, Clay east, Sullivan south » 
Wabash river, separating it in part from Clarke county* 
Illinois, southwest. Length from south to north 26, breadth 
18 miles. The northwestern part is traversed by the 
Wabash river ; the general slope south-southwest. 

The mill streams are Prairie, Honey, Otter, and Sugar 
creeks, but their waters fail in a dry season. Surface 
level, or gently undulating, with forest and prairies ; soil, 
rich loam and sand — first rate. Minerals, gray limestone, 
freestone, and inexhaustible beds of coal. 

Q. What are the boundaries, etc. of Wabash county ) 

A. Wabash county is bounded on the west by Miami, 
on the south by Miami and Grant, on the east by Hunt- 
ington, north uncertain. The Wabash river, and West 
and East canal, pass through it, as does the Missisinawa, 
Eel, Bluegrass, and Salamanic. Surface, wide, rich bot- 
toms on the streams,— bluffs and ravines adjoining — table 
lands further back, either dry and rolling, or flat and wet, 
and abound with willow swamps. Limestone rock abun- 
dant, and many excellent springs of pure water. 

Q. What are the boundaries, etc. of Warren county ? 

A. Warren county is bounded by the Indian country 
northwest, Tippecanoe county northeast, Wabash river 



OF INDIANA. 301 

separating it from Fountain southeast, Vermillion county 
southwest, and Vermillion county, Illinois, west. Great- 
est length, as laid down by Tanner, 26 miles, mean 
breadth 18. The slope of this county is to the southeast 
towards the Wabash. 

On the southeast border, the Wabash for thirty miles 
is navigable for steamboats. The interior streams are 
Rock, Redwood, and Big and Little Pine creeks ; all of 
which afford good mill sites. There are some pine and 
cedar timber. The surface is generally level, with broken 
land on the bluffs of creeks ; — some forest, but the largest 
proportion prairie. The soil, a rich and very fertile loam. 
The minerals are lime and excellent freestone for build- 
ing purposes, coal, iron, lead and copper, with several 
old " diggings," and furnaces, where both copper and 
lead ore have been smelted in early timesj 

Q. What are the boundaries &c. of Warrick county ? 

A. Warrick county is bounded by Vanderburg west,- 
Gibson northwest, Pike north, Dubois northeast, Spencer 
east and southeast, and Ohio river separating it from 
Henderson county, Kentucky, south. Length 25 miles, 
mean width 13. The northern boundary of this county 
is on the table land between the vaLies of Ohio river and 
the Patoka, a branch of the Wabash; but nearly the 
whole of its surface slopes southwardly towards the for- 
mer river. Surface hilly, but soil productive. The min- 
erals are quarries of freestone, some limestone, and inex- 
haustible beds of coal. 

Q. What are the boundaries, *fcc. of Washington county ? 

A. Washington county is bounded south by Harrison, 
southwest by Crawford, west by Orange, northwest by 
Lawrence, north by the East Fork of White river, sepa- 
rating it from Jackson, northeast by Scott, east by Clark, 
and southeast by Floyd. Length from east to west 26 
miles, mean breadth 20. 

26 



302 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

This county extends southwardly from the bank of ill 
East Branch of White river, over the table land between 
that stream and the Ohio river. Blue river, a small con- 
fluent of the Ohio, rises in and drains the southern part, 
whilst from the western flow small creeks intg the East 
Fork of White river. Surface broken, hilly, and soil fer- 
tile. Substratums of limestone, caves, hollows, and sink- 
holes. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Wayne county ? 

A. Wayne county is bounded south by Union, Fayette 
southwest, Henry west, Randolph north, Darke county. 
Ohio, northeast, and Preble county, Ohio, southeast. It 
is very near a square of 20 miles. Slope southward, and 
drained by the higher branches of White Water river, a 
confluent of Great Miami river. The surface is mode- 
rately hilly, with heavy forest land ; the soil a rich loam. 
Minerals, generally limestone, which is excellent for 
buildings. 

Describe the Chief Towns of Indiana. 

The tabular view of county towns presents the names 
of the most considerable villages in this state. To men- 
tion, in detail, all that have really attained some degree 
of consequence, would only furnish a barren catalogue of 
names. We will therefore only mention the chief of those 
on the Ohio, in descending order, beginning with Law- 
renceburgh, on the southeastern angle of the state. 

LAWRENCEBURGH is the seat of justice for the 
county of Dearborne, it stands on the north bank of the 
Ohio, 23 miles below Cincinnati, and two miles below tne 
Big Miami, the eastern limit of the state. It is in the cen- 
tre of a rich bottom. The ancient village was built on 
the first bottom, which was frequently exposed to inun- 
dation. The floods, instead of creating disease, wash the 
surface of the earth, carry off vegetable and animal mat* 



OF INDIANA. 303 

ier, and are supposed to be rather conducive to health 
than otherwise. The old town, built on the first bank, 
had been stationary for many years. New Lawrence- 
burgh has been recently built on the second bank, and 
on on elevated ground, formed by the bank of Tanner's 
creek. Since the commencement of this town, few plaees 
have made more rapid progress. Many of the new houses 
are handsome ; and some of them make a handsome show 
from the river. It has a number of respectable commenc- 
ing manufactories, and promises to be a large town. It 
contains 14,573 inhabitants. 

AUPcORA, is a new village, at the mouth of Hogan 
creek, four miles below, on the Ohio. It contains between 
60 and 70 dwellings. 

Rising Sun, 13 miles below Lawrenceburgh, occupies 
a beautiful position on the Ohio, and is a village something 
larger than Aurora. 

VEVAY, the seat of justice for Switzerland county, is 
situated eight miles above the Point, opposite the mouth 
of Kentucky river, and 45 miles below Cincinnati. It 
contains between 200 and 300 houses, a court house, jail, 
academy, printing offices, from which issues a weekly 
journal. A branch of the bank of Indiana, and some 
other public buildings. This interesting town was com- 
menced in 1804, by thirty Swiss emigrants, to whom the 
United States made a grant, under favorable stipulations, 
of a considerable tract of land, to patronize the cultiva- 
tion of the vine. 

The patriarch of this colony was a Swiss gentleman 
of the name ol J. J. Dufour, who continued an intelligent 
friend to the town. The colony soon received considera- 
ble accessions from the mountains ot Switzerland. 



304 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM, 

Defour, Morerod, Bettens, Siebenthal, and others, com- 
menced the cultivation of the grape on a large scale. 

This cultivation has gone on, steadily increasing. An 
hundred experiments have been since commenced in dif- 
ferent points of the west. But this still remains the largest 
vineyard in the United States. We have witnessed no- 
thing in our country, in the department of gardening 
and cultivation, which can compare with the richness of 
this vineyard, in the autumn, when the clusters are in 
maturity. Language but feebly paints such a spectacle. 
The horn of plenty seems to have been emptied m the 
production of this rich fruit. 

These amiable and industrious people are constantly 
profiting by experience. This species of agriculture al- 
ready yields them a profit more than any other practised 
in our country. They are the simple and interesting in- 
habitants that we might expect, from the prepossesions of 
early reading, to find from the vine clad l^jlls of Switzer- 
land. They are mostly protestants, and happily com- 
pound the vivacity of the French with the industry of the 
Germans. Like the former, they love gaiety and dancing. 
Like the latter, they easily fall in with the spirit of our 
institutions, love our country and its laws, intermarry 
with our people, and are in all respects a most amiable 
people. 

There is a number of professional men in Vevay, a 
public library, a literary society, and many of the com- 
forts and improvements of a thriving town. Mr. Dufour 
has distinguished himself by agricultural productions, 
particularly on the culture of the vine. This industrious 
people have created some manufactures peculiar to them- 
selves, particularly that of straw bonnets. The position 
of the town is fortunate, in relation to the back country, 
and the other interior large towns. 



OF INDIANA. 305 

MADISON, the most populous, thriving, and one of 
the pleasantest towns in the state, is situated on the Ohio 
nearly equi-distant from Louisville and Cincinnati, and 
was commenced in 1811. In 1829 between forty and fifty 
brick buildings, many of them three stories high, were 
added to the town, and the promise of future progress is 
equally great. 

ft has 25 dry goods stores, many of them transacting 
extensive business. A line of stages passes through the 
town. It has two printing offices, and issues a respect- 
able weekly gazette. It has an insurance company, and 
■does a large business in exports of the produce of the 
country, and is particularly noted for the quantity of pork 
barrelled here. The town contains a population of 2,442 
inhabitants. 

JEFFERSOJWILLE is situated just above the Falls 
of Ohio. The town of Louisville on the opposite shore* 
and the beautiful and rich country beyond, together with 
the broad and rapid river, forming whitening sheets and 
cascades from shore to shore, the display of steamboats, 
added to the high banks, the neat village, and the noble 
woods an the north bank, unite to render the scenery of 
this village uncommonly rich and beautiful. It is a con- 
siderable and handsome village, with some houses that 
have a show of magnificence. It has a land office, a 
post office, a printing office, and some other public build- 
ings. 

One of the principal chutes of the river in low water^ 
is near this shore, and experienced pilots, appointed by 
the state, are always in readiness to conduct boats over 
the falls. 

CLARKESVILLE is a small village, immediately be. 

low Jeffersonville. 

26* 






300 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

NEW ALBANY is the seat of justice for Floyd coun- 
ty, and four and a half miles below Jeffersonville. The 
front street is three-quarters of a mile in length, and 
makes a respectable appearance from the river. It has 
a convenient ship yard for building steamboats, and is a 
thriving and busy village. 

FREDONIA, Leavenworth, Rockport, and Evansville, 
occur as we descend the Ohio. The last is a village of 
some consequence. It is the landing place of emigrants 
descending the Ohio for the Wabash. It is at the mouth 
of Big Pigeon creek, 54 miles south of Vincennes, and 45 
above the mouth of the Wabash. Being about half way 
between the falls of Ohio and the mouth, it is a noted 
stopping place for steamboats. 

COR YD ON, the seat of justice for the county of Harri- 
son, was for a considerable time the political metropolis 
of the state. It is distant 23 miles from Jeffersonville, and 
13 from the Ohio, and is situated in the forks of Indian 
creek. North of the town spreads an extensive region of 
barrens, full of sink holes and limestone caves. 

SALEM, on a small branch of Blue river, 34 miles N. 
of Corydon, is a flourishing town, containing more than 
100 houses. 

Brownstown, Paoli, and Washington, are inferior coun- 
ty towns. 

The following towns occur on the Wabash, as we de- 
scend the river : 

Frenchtown. — Above Tippecanoe is the old French town 
of Ouitanon, at the head of boatable navigation on the 
river, in the centre of what was recently the country of 1 
the savages. Its origin dates back nearly one hundred 



of Indiana. 307 

fears. The inhabitants are a mixture of French and In- 
dian blood. 

Merom is on a high bluff of the Wabash, opposite La 
Motte Prairie in Illinois, and is in the centre of rich and 
beautiful prairies. It has peopled with great rapidity. 

Tcrre Haute is situated two miles below Fort Aarrison, 
as its name imports on a high bank of the Wabash. It is 
a growing and important village. 

Shaker Town, 15 miles above Yincennes, contains a 
community of the industrious people called Shakers, and 
exhibits the marks of order and neatness, that characte- 
rize this people. 

VINCENNES is, after Kaskaskia, the oldest place in 
the western world. It was settled in 1735 by French emi- 
grants from Canada. They fixed themselves here in a 
beautiful, rich, and isolated spot in the midst of the de- 
serts. For an aSe, they had little intercourse with any 
other people than savages. Their interests, pursuits, and 
feelings were identified with them. Their descendants 
are reclaimed from their savage propensities; and have 
the characteristic vivacity and politeness of the French 
people. It is 150 miles above the mouth of the Wabash ; 
and 54 from the nearest point of the Ohio. It has im- 
proved rapidly of late, and contains 300 houses, a brick 
court house and hotel, a jail, a respectable building for 
an academy, a Roman Catholic and a Presbyterian 
church, land office, post office, two printing offices, from 
one of which is issued a respectable gazette, a bank, and 
some other public buildings, and 1500 inhabitants. It is 
situated contiguous to a beautiful prairie, 5000 acres of 
which are cultivated as a common field, after the ancient 
French customs. It was for a long time the seat of the 
territorial government, and still has as much trade as any 



SOB GEOGRAPHICAL, CATECHISM 

other place in the state. The plot of the town is level, 
and laid off with regularity. The houses have extensive 
gardens, crowded after the French fashion with fruit 
trees. It is accessible for the greater part of the year by 
steam boats ; and is a place of extensive supply of mer- 
chandize to the interior of this state. Volney, who visited 
this place not long after the establishment of the Federal 
government, gives a graphic and faithful account of the 
appearance of this place, and the adjoining country, the 
French inhabitants, and their manners. At the same time m 
he presents a revolting picture of the manner in which 
the Americans treated them. Perhaps he had not learned 
that. Vincennes had been, for a long time, a nest of sava- 
ges, from which they had fitted out their murderous ex- 
peditions ; and that it was natural that the Kentuckians, 
who had suffered much from them, should retaliate upon 
the people who had harbored them. He represents them 
subsequently to have been cheated out of their lands by 
the Americans, and their ignorance so profound, that 
little more than half their number could read or write ; 
and he avers that he could instantly distinguish them 
when mixed with the Americans, by their meagre and 
tanned faces, and their look of poverty and desolation. 
However just this picture may have been in 1796, it is 
reversed now. Most of the inhabitants have an air of 
ease and affluence ; and Vincennes furnishes a pleasant 
and respectable society. 

HARMONY is 54 miles below Vincennes, and some- 
thing more than 100 by water above the mouth of the 
Wabash, on the east bank of the river, and 16 miles from 
the nearest point of the Ohio, on a rich and heavy tim 
bered plateau, or second bottom. It is high, healthy ^ 
has a fertile soil, and is in the vicinity of small and rich 
prairies, and is a pleasant and well chosen position. It 






OF INDIANA. 309 

was first settled in 1814 by a religious sect of Germans, 
denominated Harmonites. They were emigrants from 
Germany, and settled first on Beaver creek, in Pennsylva- 
nia. They moved in a body consisting of 800 souls, to 
this place. Their spiritual and temporal leader was Geo. 
Rapp, and all the lands and possessions were held in his 
name. Their society seems to have been an intermediate 
sect between the Shakers and Moravians. They held 
their property in common. Their regulations were ex- 
tremely strict and severe. In their order, neatness, indus- 
try, and perfect subordination, they resembled the Sha- 
kers. They soon erected from 80 to 100 large and sub- 
stantial buildings. Their lands are laid off with the most 
perfect regularity, and were as right angled and squared 
as compass could make them. They were wonderfully 
successful here, as they had been at other places, in con- 
verting a wilderness into a garden in a short time. — 
They had even the luxury of a botanic garden and a green 
house. 

Their great house of assembly, with its wings and ap- 
pendages, was nearly 100 feet square. Here they lived 
and labored in common, and in profound peace ; but from 
some cause, their eyes were turned from the rich fields, 
and the wide prairies, and the more southern and tempe- 
rate clime of the Wabash towards Beaver creek, the 
place where they had first settled. While they were under 
the influence of these yearnings, the leader of a new sect 
came upon them. This was no other than Robert Owen, 
of New Lanark, in Scotland, a professed philosopher of a 
new school, who advocated new principles, and took new 
views of society. He denominated his theory " the social 
system." He was opulent, and disposed to make a grand 
experiment of his principles on the prairies of the Wa- 
bash, and purchased the lands and village of Mr. Rapp 
for $190,000. In a short time there were admitted to the 



310 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

new establishment, from seven to eight hundred persons. 
They danced all together one night in every week, and 
had a concert in another. The Sabbath was occupied in 
the delivery and hearing of philosophical lectures. Two 
of Mr. Owen's sons and Mr. M'Clure joined him from 
Scotland. The society at New Harmony, as the place 
was called, excited a great deal of remark in every part 
of the United States. Great numbers of distinguished 
men in all the walks of life wrote to the society, making 
inquiries respecting its prospects and rules, and express- 
ing a desire to join it at some future time. Mr. Owen 
remained at New Harmony a little more than one year, in 
which time he made a voyage to Europe. The 4th of 
July, 1826, he promulgated his famous declaration of men- 
tal independence. The society had begun to moulder 
before this time. He has left New Harmony, and the so- 
cial system is abandoned. It is to be hoped that this 
beautiful village, which has been the theatre of such sin- 
gular and opposite experiments will again flourish. 

BROOKVILLE is a decaying village, in the Forks 
of the beautiful White Water. It was noted lor the 
number and enterprise of its mechanics and manufac- 
tures. A number of its public and private buildings 
are of brick, and respectable. It has grist mills, saw mills? 
carding machines, a printing office, and numbers of the 
common mechanic shops, where the usual articles of city 
manufacture are made. 

The surrounding country is finely timbered and water- 
ed. The soil is rich and productive; and has acquired 
reputation for the excellence of its tobacco. From some 
cause, notwithstanding all these advantages, it has de- 
clined. The number of houses exceeds one hundred. 

Harrison is situated on the north shore of White 



■■■HOI 



OF INDIANA. 311 

Water, eight miles from its mouth, eighteen northeast of 
Brookville, and in the centre of an excellent body of land. 
The village is divided in its jurisdiction between Ohio and 
Indiana. In the rich and extensive bottoms that surround 
this village, are found great numbers of Indian mounds. 
They contain quantities of human bones, in all stages of 
decay. Indian axes, vases, implements of war and do- 
mestic use abound in them. In the bottom of most of 
them are found brands, coal and ashes ; indications from 
which antiquarians have inferred, that they were places 
of sacrifice, and that the victims were human. 

Richmond is a thriving town of 1,500 inhabitants. 

INDIANAPOLIS is situated on the west bank of White 
river, in the centre of one of the most extensive ancMfer- 
tile bodies of land in the western world — nearly central 
to the state, and at a point accessible by steamboats in 
common stages of the Wabash. No river in America, 
according to its size and extent, waters greater bodies of 
land than White River. The country is' settling about 
this town with unexampled rapidity. But a few years ago 
it was a solid and deep forest, where the surprised tra- 
veller now sees the buildings of a metropolis,|compact 
streets, and squares of brick buildings, respectable public 
edifices, manufactories, mechanic shops, printing offices, 
business and bustle. 

Such is the present aspect of Indianapolis, which con- 
tains two hundred houses, and 1200 inhabitants. It will 
probably become one of the largest towns between Cin- 
cinnati and Mississippi. 

In the recently settled parts of the state, have sprung 
up a number of new towns, with compact streets and 
handsome houses, within four or five years. The most 
considerable of these are Logansport, Terre Haute, 



3 i 2 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

Bockville, Crawfordsville and La Fayette. This last town 
is now the head of navigation on the Wabash. 

At the point designated by the Commissioners for the 
termination of the Wabash and Erie canal, 66 miles below 
La Fayette, is the famous battle ground of Tippecanoe, 
at the mouth of that river. It exhibits the most beautiful 
scenery. The breast-works of the American army are 
still visible. The hottest point of the fight is indicated by 
the masses of bones of the horses that were killed. Gen- 
eral Tipton, who at the age of eighteen years distin- 
guished himself in that battle, is the present owner of the 
site, and has enclosed it with a view of consecrating the 
memory of that event. 

Q,. What are the Internal Improvements of Indiana ? 

A. This State has entered with great spirit upon a sys- 
tem of internal improvements. It consists of canalling, 
improving river navigation, rail-roads, and common turn- 
pike roads. 

Give a brief description of the Canals and Railroads of 
Indiana. 

Wabash and Erie Canal. — This work will extend from 
La Fayette, on the Wabash river, up the valley of that 
stream, to the Maumee, and to the boundary of the Ohio; 
distance 105 miles. The cost of construction has been 
estimated at $1,081,970, and lands to the amount of 
355,200 acres, have been appropriated by the genera] 
government, the proceeds of which will be sufficient to 
complete the canal to Fort Wayne. The middle division. 
32 miles, was completed in July, 1835; and the remainder 
is in active progress. Its whole distance, through a part 
of Ohio to Maumee bay, at the west end of Lake Erie, 
will be 187 miles. 

The White Water Canal, 76 miles in length, along the 
western branch of Whiie Water, is intended to pass 



OF INDIANA* 313 

through Connorsville, Brookville, Somerset, and other 
towns, to Lawrenceburgh, on the Ohio river. 

Provision is made to improve the navigation of the 
Wabash river, in conjunction with Illinois, where it con- 
stitutes the boundary line, and, by this state alone, fur- 
ther up. 

Rail-Roads. — From Evansville, on the Ohio, to La Fay- 
ette on the Wabash, 175 miles ; from La Fayette to Michi- 
gan city, 90 miles ; forming a line from the Ohio river to 
Lake Michigan, 265 miles in length; — from Madison, on 
the Ohio, to Indianapolis, the seat of government, 85 
miles; and several others were projected two years since. 
But at the session of the legislature of 1835-6, a bill was 
passed to borrow, in such instalments as should be need- 
ed, ten millions of dollars; and a system of internal im- 
provements, including canals, railroads, and the improve- 
ment of river navigation, was marked out. In a few 
years, this State will be prominent in this species of en- 
terprise. 

Synopsis of Canals surveyed by order of the Indiana 
Legislature during the Year 1835. 

La Fayette and Terre Haute division of the Wabash 
and Erie canal. Length 90 miles ; total cost $1,067,914 70 ; 
per mile 81 1,865 79. 

Central canal, north of Indianapolis. Total length, 
from Indianapolis via Andersontown, Pipe creek summit 
to the Wabash and Erie canal at Wa! ash town, 103 miles 
34 chains; total cost $1,992,224 54; per mile $17,106 51. 
Length, via Pipe creek summit to Peru, near the mouth 
of the Mississinawa, 114 miles 46 chains; total cost 
$1,897,797 19; per mile 814,871 85. Length, via Pipe 
creek summit (including lateral canal to Muncietown) to 
Wabash town, 124 miles 51 chains; total cost $2,103,153 
61; per mile $15,873 83. Length,^via Pipe creek summit, 

27 



£14 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

(including lateral canal to Mimcietown) to Peru, \8& 
miles 63 chains ; total cost $2,008,726 26 ; per mile 
$14,793 12, Total length, from Indianapolis via Muncie- 
town to the Wabash and Erie canal, at Peru, 131 miles 
41 chains; total cost $2,058,929 41 ; per mlile $14,549 71. 

Centra] canal, south ol Indianapolis. Total length, 
from Indianapolis to Evansviile, 188 miles ; total cost 
82,642,235 92; per mile $14,054 71. Route down the 
valley of Main Pigeon. Length 194 miles ; total cost 
$2,400,957 70 ; per mile, $12,376 02. 

Terre Haute and Eel river canal, which forms a con- 
nexion between the Wabash and Erie canal and White 
river or Central canal. Total length 40-| miles; total 
cost $629,631 65; which, including a feeder, is $13,540 46 
per mile. 

Wabash and Erie canal, eastern division, [east of Fort 
Wayne]. Upper line : Length, 19 miles 30 chains ; total 
cost $154,113 13; per mile, $7,952 17. — Lower line: total 
length 20 miles 76^ chains; total cost $254,817 52; per 
mile $11,158 04. 

The following are the works provided for in the bill. 
and the sums appropriated for them : 

1. The White Water canal, including a lateral 

canal or railroad, to connect said canal 

with the Central or White river canal, $1,400,000 

2. Central or White river canal, - - 3, r 00,000 

3. Extension of the Wabash and Erie canal, 1,300,000 

4. Madison and La Fayette railroad, - 1,300,000 

5. A McAdamized turnpike road from New 

Albany to Vincennes* - 1,150,000 

6. Turnpike or railroad from New Albany to 

Crawfordsville, - 1,300,000 

7. Removing obstructions in the Wabash, - 50,000 



$10,000,000 



m 



J 



OF INDIANA. 315 

r The Bill gives the credit of the State to the Lawrence- 
burgh and Indianapolis Railroad Company, for the sum of 
500,000 dollars. 

Q. What is the state of Agriculture in Indiana ? 

A. It is improving rapidly, on account of the general 
character of its lands, and the industrious and enterpris- 
ing habits of its inhabitants, 

Q. What is the state of Commerce in Indiana? 

A. Special authorities cannot be obtained on the sub. 
ject, but it is fair and promising. The rapidly increasing 
value and importance of its lake advantages, already 
place it in an enviable light; and in a few more years we 
hope to see its commercial facilities put into full and effi- 
cient requisition. These bid fair to place Indiana high in 
the scale of commercial importance. 

Q. What are the Manufactures of this State ? 

A. They differ little from those of Ohio. — See Coun- 
'Ics. 

Q. What is the state of Education in Indiana? 

A. The same provision of one section of land in each 
township, or a thirty-sixth part of the public lands, has 
been made for the encouragement of common schools, as 
in other Western States. A law has been enacted, pro- 
viding for common scnools, and the public mind has be- 
come measurably awakened to the subject of education. 
Academies have been established in several counties, and 
a college at Bloomington, from the encouragement of 
State funds. Other institutions are rising up, of which 
the Hanover Institution near the Ohio river, and Wabash 
College at Crawfordsville, promise to be nous. 

Q. What are the Colleges of this Sta 

A. Indiana College is a State institution, established 
at Bloomington, and commenced operations in 1828. 



316 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

Present number of students not known. In 1832 the 
number exceeded 50. 

Hanover College is at South Hanover, six miles below 
the town of Madison, and near the Ohio river. It is a 
flourishing institution, with arrangements for manual 
labour, and is styled " South Hanover College and Indiana 
Theological Seminary." 

There are but few academies as yet in this state, but 
there is much want of teachers felt — and the probability 
is, that soon Indiana will have her territory abundantly 
supplied with institutions of an enviable character as 
several high schools are in contemplation in different 
parts of this rapidly advancing state. 

A historical society has recently been formed — the ob- 
ject of which is, to investigate the antiquities of the coun- 
try, and preserve the materials for the annals and history 
of the state. A respectable library has already been 
collected, and the society bids fair to be efficient in fur- 
nishing documents of practical utility in furthering its 
objects. 

That spirit of regard for schools, religious societies and 
institutions connected with them, which has so honora- 
bly distinguished the commencing legislation of Ohio, has 
displayed itself in this state. There are districts, no 
doubt, where people have but just made beginnings, and 
are more anxious about carrying on the first operations 
of making a new establishment, than educating their 
children. But it ought to be recorded to the honour of 
the people, that among the first public works, in an in- 
cipient village, is a school-house, and among the first 
associations, that for establishing a school. Schools are 
established in all the considerable towns and villages in 
the state. In many of the more compact there is a read- 
ing room, and a social library. The spirit of enquiry. 






OF INDIANA, 317 

resulting from our free institutions, is pervading the 
country ; and a thirst for all kinds of information is uni- 
versal. This state will soon take a high stand among her 
sister states, in point of population. It is hoped that her 
advancement in intellectual improvement, and social and 
religious institutions, will be in corresponding propor- 
tion. 

Q. What is the religious character of Indiana ? 

A. From the following account it will be perceived that 
her spiritual guides are numerous, and the number of 
professing Christians extensive — which speak highly in 
praise of the religious character of its inhabitants : 

The Baptists in this state have 11 associations, 181 
churches, 127 ministers, and 6,513 communicants. The 
Methodists 34 preachers, and .3,794 members. The Pres- 
byterians about 50 churches and 20 ministers. 

Give a syncpsis of the Finances of Indiana. 

The Indiana Gazetteer of 1533 estimates that the reve- 
nue for state purposes amounted to about 35,000 dollars 
annually, and for county purposes to about half that sum. 
The aggregate receipts for 1835, according to the Gov- 
ernor's Message, of December, 1835, amounted to 107,714 
dollars; expenditures for the same time, 103,901 dollars. 

Sales of canal lands for the same period, 175,740 dol- 
lars. The Canal Commissioners have borrowed 605,257 
dollars, for canal purposes, on a part of which they ob- 
tained two per cent, premium; and on another part, as 
high as seven per cent.; — and have also borrowed 450,000 
dollars, bank capital, for which they received four and 
a-half per cent, premium. Three per cent, on all sales of 
the United States' lands, within the state, is paid by the 
general government into the State Treasury, to be ex- 
pended in making roads. The receipts from this source 
in 1835, amounted to 24,398 dollars. Sales and rents of 
saline lands, produced an income of 4,636 dollars. The 
27* 



318 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

proceeds of certain lands donated by the general govern- 
ment, towards the construction of a road from the Ohio 
river to Lake Michigan, amounted to 33,030 dollars. 

Q. What can you say of the History of Indiana? 

A. This country was first explored by adventurers from 
Canada, with a view to the Indian trade, towards the close 
of the seventeenth century ; and the place where Vin- 
cennes now stands, is said to have been thus early occu- 
pied as a trading post. A company of French from Canada 
made a settlement here in 1735. The country, in common 
with the Western Valley, was claimed by France, until it 
was ceded to Great Britain, at the treaty of peace in 1763. 
under whose jurisdiction it remained, until subdued by 
the American arms under the intrepid Gen. G. R. Clark, 
and his gallant band, in 1779. A territorial government 
was organized by Congress in 1787, including all the 
country northwest of the river Ohio, which was then 
called the Northwestern Territory. In 1802, when the 
State of Ohio was organized, all that part of the Territory 
lying west of a line due north from the mouth of the 
Great Miami, was organized into the Territory of Indiana, 
which was divided, and from which Illinois Territory was 
formed in 1809. In June, 1816, a constitution was adopted, 
and at the ensuing session of Congress, Indiana was made 
a State. 

In 1818, 8,500,000 acres of land were added to this state 
by a purchase from the Indians, lying in the northern sec- 
tion of the state. This purchase affords incalculable ad- 
vantages to Indiana. 



OF ] 


[NDIANA. 




319 


Table of Distances in Indiana. 






g 


g 


| 


g 


g 


1. From Indiana po- 


S 


% 


a 


Q* 


lls to Terr e Haute. 


•j. 


w 






Ul 


To Belleville, 


20 




', Perry sville, 


15 


112 


Danville, 


7 


27 


Covington, 


7 


119 


Greencastle, 


2-2 


49 


Portland, 


7 


120 


Gallatin, 


35 


84 


Attica, 


7 


133 


Terre Haute, 


12 


96 


) Lafayette, 


26 


159 


"-2. From Indianapo- 






5. From Louisville, 






lis to Madison. 






Ken.,- to Orleans. 






To Franklin, 


20 










Edinburg, 


12 


32 


New Albany, In. 


4 




Columbus, 


11 


43 


Jeffersonville, 


3 


7 


Geneva, 


12 


55 


New Providence, 


18 


25 


Vernon, 


11 


66 


Salem, 


17 


42 


Lancaster. 


12 


78 


Orleans, 


20 


62 


Madison, 


9 


87 










6. From Richmond 








3. From Louisville, 






to Cincinnati. 






Ken. to Vincennes. 






To Brownsville, 


10 




To New Albany, 


4 




Liberty, 


5 


15 


Greenville, 


10 


14 


Dunlapsville, 


5 


20 


Fredericksburg, 


[6 


30 


Fairfield, 


7 


27 


Paoli, 


17 


47 


Brookfield, 


6 


33 


Hmdostan, 


24 


71 


New Trenton, 


10 


43 


Mount Pleasant, 


4 


75 


Harrison, 


7 


50 


Washington, 


16 


91 


Cheviot, 


18 


68 


Berryvifle, 


6 


97 


Cincinnati, 


7 


75 


Vincennes, 


14 


111 


1 








• 
7. From Madison to 








4. From Vincennes to 






Terre Haute. 






Lafayette. 






Te Lancaster, 


9 




To Carlisle, 


19 




Vernon, 


12 


21 


Merom, 


14 


33 


1 'Geneva, 


11 


32 


Terre Haute, 


32 


65 


Columbus, 


12 


44 


Clinton, 


15 


80 


Bloomington, 


35 


79 


Montezuma, 


8 


88 


Bowling Green, 


41 


120 


Newport, 


9 


97 


Terre Haute, 


24 


144 



120 



GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 



8. From Brookville 
to CentrevUle. 



a s 



To Blooming Grove 6 
Connersville, 13 19 

Milton, i 10] 29 

Centreville, 10 39 



9. FromVincennes to 

Evansvillt. 
To Princeton, ;2G 

Sandersvilie, 17 

Evans ville, ;12 



10. From Princeton 
to. Mount Zion,Ky. 
To Owensville, 
Cynthiana, 
New Harmony, 
Mount Vernon, 
Mount Zion, Ken., 



43 
65 



16 
30 
45 

70 



11. From Cincinnati 
to Indianapolis, via 
Brookcille. - 

See Route No. 13, 
Ohio. 



12. From Cincinnati 
to Indianapolis, via 
Lawrencebnrgh. 

See Route No. 14, 
Ohio, 



13. From Dayton to 
Indianapolis, via 

Centreville. 

See Route No. 16, 
Ohio, 



03 

115 



113 



til 



^MH 



£&&X2ff<»*S 



f Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of the State of [Illinois ? 

A. Illinois is bounded by the Mississippi river west 
and southwest ; by Huron territory north ; lake Michigan 
northeast; Indiana east; and Ohio river, separating it 
from Kentucky southeast and south. 

The outlines of the state are as follows: commencing at 
the junction of the Ohio and Mississippi river, and thence 
up the latter opposite the state of Missouri, to the mouth 
of Lemoine river, by comparative courses 340 miles; con- 
tinuing up the Mississippi to Lat. 42° 30', 200 miles ; 
thence due east to lake Michigan along the south bound, 
ary of Huron, 167 miles ; along the southwest part of lake 
Michigan 60 miles ; thence due south along the western 
boundary of Indiana to Wabash river 163 miles; down 
the Wabash opposite Indiana to the Ohio river, 120 miles; 
down the Ohio river opposite Kentucky, to the Mississippi 
river, to the place of beginning, 130 miles ; having an en- 
tire outline of 1,170 miles. 

This state, next to Virginia and Missouri, is the third 
in area amongst the United States ; it extends in latitude 
from 37° to 42° 30', and in longitude from 10° 36' to 14° 
30' west from Washington city. The greatest length is 
382 miles, and its greatest breadth 206. Its mean width* 
however, is 140 miles. Area, 53,480 square miles. 



322 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

Q. Are there any mountains in Illinois ? 

A. Next to Louisiana and Delaware, this is the most 
level state in the Union. Although northwest of Shaw- 
neetown, there is a range of hills, which some have cho- 
sen to denominate mountains. There are considerable 
elevations along the Illinois river, and the bluffs of the 
Mississippi, in some places, might almost pass for moun- 
tains. 

Describe the Valleys of Illinois. 

There are no valleys, but immense plains, which shall 
be presently described. 

Q. What are the Rivers of this State ? 

A. It is only necessary to look on the map of this state 
to see what astonishing advantages for inland navigation 
nature has given it. 

The Mississippi which waters the whoie western sec- 
tion, is the main stream. 
Describe the Rivers. 

Illinois is bounded on three sides by the Mississippi, 
Ohio, and Wabash rivers. The Illinois, Kaskaskia, San- 
gamon, and many smaller streams, are entirely within its 
boundaries. Others, as the Kankakee, Rock river, and 
Vermillion branch of the Wabash, run part of their courses 
within the state. The Mississippi, which, in its meander- 
ings, runs about 700 miles along its western border, takes 
its rise on Cedar lake, in latitude 45° north. 

From this, to the Falls of St. Anthony, a distance of 
about 500 miles, it runs a devious course, first southeast ; 
then southwest; and finally southeast again; which last 
it continues without much deviation till it reaches the 
Missouri. From thence its course is a few degrees east 
of south to the mouth of the Ohio. 

The appearance and character of Mississippi, above and 
below the mouth of the Missouri, are so distinctly marked 



OF ILLINOIS. 323 

as to lead to the general opinion that the former is but a 
branch of the latter. The average width of the Missis- 
sippi proper, is from one half to one mile ; and its current 
is generally from two to four miles an hour, Varying ac- 
cording to the height and volume of the water. The 
mean descent of this river is about six inches per mile. 
Its sources are estimated by Mr. Schoolcraft to be 1,330 
ieet above the level of tide water at. the Gulf of Mexico ; 
the distance being computed at three thousand miles. — 
Below the mouth of the Missouri, the Mississippi has the 
turbid appearance of the Missouri, and was formerly ob- 
structed with snogs and sawyers. These obstructions to 
the navigation have been partially removed by the enter- 
prising Captain Shreeve and his snag boat, in the employ- 
ment of the general government; and the trees that form 
these obstructions have been cut z way from its banks. 

The principal tributaries of the Mississippi, within the 
state of Illinois, are Rock, Illinois, Kaskaskia, and Muddy 
rivers. The aboriginal name of which is said to signify 
" Father of Waters," or " Great Waters" The Wabash 
river rises in the northeastern part of Indiana, and run- 
ning first a southwestern, and then a south course, enters 
the Ohio about 200 miles above its mouth. It is a beauti- 
ful stream, and at high water is navigated by steamboats 
as far as Logansport in Indiana. Its head waters approach 
within a short - distance of the waters of the Maumee of 
Lake Erie, with which a canal navigation is now being 
constructed under the authority of the state of Indiana. 
About 20 miles below Vincennes, and near the junction of 
White river, are considerable rapids, which obstruct the 
navigation in low Vater. Funds in part have been pro- 
vided, and measures are in train, by the two states, to 
improve the navigation at this place. The character of 
the lands and soil bordering on the Wabash, does not dif- 
fer materially from that on the Ohio and the Mississippi ; 



324 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

only there is more sandy soil, and its bottoms are more 
subject to inundation. In this region, and especially in 
Lawrence and Crawford counties, there are some 
swamps, called by travellers purgatories. 

The principal tributaries of the Wabash, within the 
state of Illinois, are the Vermillion, Embarrass, and Little 
Wabash. 

The Illinois, from its relative position, is a river of great 
importance as a connecting link in the chain of internal 
navigable water. This stream rises in Huron territory as 
far north as 43° 25', between the sources of Rock river 
and Manawake, and flowing thence west one hundred 
and sixty miles, unites with the Illinois river, in Lasalle 
county, Illinois. 

If length of course is considered as the deciding crite. 
rion, Fox river is the main stream above their junction m 
though the name of Illinois commences with the union of 
the Plane and Kankakee rivers. Plane river, though 
more generally known, is a far inferior stream to the 
Kankakee. The Plane is, however, from its position an 
important branch. Rising westward and near the shore 
of Lake Michigan, and flowing south nearly parallel to 
and about 10 miles of that lake, it has become at seasons 
of high water, a navigable stream 12 miles from Chicago. 
Thence inflecting to the southwest 40 miles, it joins the 
Kankakee to form Illinois. 

Kankakee river is composed of two branches, Kanka- 
kee proper and Pickimink rivers. The former has its ex- 
treme source in St. Joseph's county, Indiana, and by a 
general course of south-west by west, about 100 miles, 
receives the Pickimink from the southward. The latter 
also has its source in Indiana, from whence curving to the 
southward, but by a general western course joins the 
Kankakee. The two rivers are nearly of similar volume 
and length. Below their union the water bends to north- 



OF ILLINOIS. 325 

northwest 15 miles, to where it mingles with that of Plane 
river. Both the Kankakee and Pickimink, have channels 
curving in a very remarkable manner with the outline of 
the southern part of Lake Michigan. Below the union of 
Plane and Kankakee, the Illinois flows about 60 miles 
very nearly west, receiving the Fox river, from the north, 
and Vermillion from the south, and falling over rapids, 
inflects abruptly to the south-southwest. The upper part 
of the Illinois valley encircles the southern part of Lake 
Michigan, about 200 miles. 

Below the great bend, the Illinois with a considerable 
western curve pursues a general south-southwestern 
course 200 miles, to its junction with the Mississippi. If 
measured by the channel of Fox river, the entire compa- 
rative length of Illinois, is very near 400 miles. Below 
the great bend it is augmented by Spoon river from the 
west, and by the much larger volume of Sangamon, and 
also from both sides by numerous creeks. 

The river itself approaches to that of a tortuous canal, 
in many parts widening into swells that appear similar to 
lakes. Politically a small section drained by the higher 
part of Rock river, is in Huron, area about 700 square 
miles. Both branches of Kankakee rise in Indiana. 

Rock river, unimportant stream of Huron and Illinois, 
having its remote sources in the former at lat. 44°, long. 
10° 40' west W. C, and between lakes Huron and Winne- 
bago. Flowing thence south-southwest, by comparative 
courses 100 miles between, and very nearly parallel to the 
two Fox rivers, to the influx of Goosekehawn from the 
northwest. Goosekehawn has its source a few miles 
southward of the Portage between Ouiscousin and Fox 
river, of Lake Michigan. Rising on a flat, and in winter 
and spring, a generally very wet region, the Gooseke- 
hawn in most of its course, is in reality a congeries of 
lakes, and is marked on the maps as the Four Lakes ; 
28 



326 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

general course southeast; length 50 miles. Below the 
mouth of Goosekehawn, Rock river maintains its original 
course 50 miles, to the influx of Sugar creek, or rather 
Peektano river, also from the northwest. 

The Peektano is the most considerable branch of Rock 
river, and rises by numerous branches in Iowa county, 
Huron, between the Mississippi and Ouisconsin. Compa- 
rative length, about 100 miles, and general course to the 
southeast. 

Sugar creek and Peektano are separate streams in 
Huron, and do not unite until the latter has flown 50, and 
the former 25 miles, in the northern part of Illinois. The 
main stream also enters Illinois about 25 miles above the 
mouth of Peektano. It falls into the Mississippi river in 
Rock Island county, at lat. 47° 27' after a comparative 
course of 250 miles. 

Sangamon river is a branch of Illinois river. This- 
stream has its remote fountains on the plains, from which 
flow to the northwest the Vermillion branch of Illinois, to 
the north the Pickmink branch of Illinois, to the soutk- 
east the Vermillion branch of Wabash, and southward 
the extreme sources of Kaskaskia river. Flowing from 
this plain, the Sangamon flows southward about 30 miles, 
and thence sweeping an elliptic curve to the southwest, 
south and west about 100 miles, attains its greatest 
southern bend a few miles above the influx from the south 
of the Mowawequa river, deflecting to the northwest 30 
miles to the influx from the northeast of Sugar creek. 
Below the mouth of Sugar creek, the Sangamon, turning 
to westward 30 miles, falls into Illinois, in Morgan county. 
The entire comparative length of Sangamon may be 
stated at 200 miles 

The Mowawequa or southern branch of Sangamon 
rises in Shelby and Montgomery counties, and flowing: 
northwest, joins the main stream in Sangamon county. 



OF ILLINOIS. 327 

Embosomed in the long curve of the main stream of 
Sangamon, and to the northward of that channel, the 
country is drained by Sugar creek, or the northern con- 
fluent of Sangamon. Sugar creek has a general western 
course of 70 miles, and joins the main stream in the north- 
western part of Sangamon county. 

Spoon river, of Illinois, has it source in Putnam and 
Henry counties ; by a southwestern course of 50 miles, it 
reaches the northern border of Fulton county, and inclin- 
ing to south-southwest 20 miles, and afterwards to south- 
east 20 miles more, it falls into Illinois river.. 

Chicago, small, but from its relative position with Lake 
Michigan, and the northern sources of Illinois river, a 
very important stream ot Cook county. The Chicago 
heads with the Plain, one of the northern branches of Il- 
linois. Both rivers originate in a flat prairie country, flow 
nearly parallel to each other, and to the course of the ad- 
jacent shore of Lake Michigan, for a comparative distance 
ot 30 miles. Thence diverging, the Plain river to the 
southwest, Chicago bending at a nearly right angle, falls 
into its recipient at the village of Chicago. The mouth is 
obstructed by a bar, on which there is only three feet 
water, though* inside adequate depth is found for ships of 
almost any tonnage. The portage between Chicago and 
plane river is only about nine miles, and at seasons of 
high water small vessels are navigated over the interme- 
diate flats. 

The Kaskakia river rises in the interior of the state' 
nearly interlocking with the waters of Lake Michigan. It 
has a course in a southwest direction, of between two 
and three hundred miles, the greater part of which, is in 
high stages of water, boatable. It runs through a fine 
settled country, and in its long course interlocks with the 
^eurces of the Sangamon, branch of Illinois river, and 



328 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

with those of the Vermillion, branch of Wabash, and 
flowing southwest over the counties of Vermillion, Edgar, 
Shelby, Fayette, Bond, Clinton, Washington, St. Clair, 
and Randolph, falls into the Mississippi, after a compara- 
tive course of 180 miles. 

The Parassaw enters the Mississippi, between Portage 
des Sioux and the mouth of the Illinois. It runs through 
a fine tract of land. A considerable body of Irish Catho- 
lics have fixed themselves on this creek. It has & course 
of nearly fifty miles. 

Cahokia creek has a considerable length of course in 
the American bottom, and enters the Mississippi not far 
from St. Louis. It is boatable 150 miles. 

The following empty into the Ohio: — the Saline, Grand 
Pierre, Lush Creek, and Big Bay. Cash is a considerable 
stream, boatable 50 miles. 

Q. What is the face of the country, and the quality of 
the soil ? 

A. The general surface is level, or moderately undulat- 
ing ; the northern and southern portions are broken and 
and somewhat hilly, but no portion of the state is travers- 
ed with ranges of hills or mountains. At the verge of 
the alluvial soil on the margins of rivers, there are ranges 
of " bluffs" intersected with ravines. The bluffs are usu- 
ally from one hundred to one hundred and fifty feet high, 
where an extended surface of table land commences, 
covered with prairies and forests of various shapes and 
sizes. 

There are several varieties of surface in this state. 

1. Inundated Lands. — T 'his is the term applied to all 
those portions, which, for some part of the year, are under 
water. These include portions of the river bottoms, and 
portions of the interior of large prairies, with the lakes 
and ponds which, for half the year or more, are without 



OF ILLINOIS. 399 

water. The term "bottom" is used throughout the west, 
to denote the alluvial soil on the margin of rivers, usually 
called " intervales" in New England. Portions of this 
description of land are flowed for a longer or shorter 
period, when the rivers are full. Probably one-eighth of 
the bottom lands are of this description ; for though the 
waters may not stand any length of time, it wholly pre- 
vents settlement. and cultivation, though it does not inter-' 
nipt the growth of timber and vegetation. 

As our prairies mostly lie between the streams that 
drain the country, the interior of the large ones are usually 
}-'ve\. Here are formed ponds and lakes after the winter 
and spring rains, which remain to be drawn off by evapo- 
ration, or absorbed by an adhesive soil. Hence the middle 
of our large level prairies are wet, and for several weeks 
portions of them are covered with water. . To remedy 
this inconvenience completely, and render all this portion 
of the soil dry and productive, only requires a ditch or 
drain of two or three feet deep to be cut into the nearest 
ravine. In many instances, a single furrow with the 
plough, would drain many acres. 

2. liicer Bottoms or Alluvion.— The surface of. our al- 
luvial bottoms is not entirely level. In some places it re- 
sembles alternate waves of the ocean, and looks as though 
the waters had left their deposit, in ridges and retired. 

The portion of bottom land capable of present cultiva- 
tion, and on which the waters never stand, (if at an ex- 
treme, freshet) it is covered, is a soil of exhaustless fertility; 
a soil that for ages past has been gradually deposited by 
the annual floods. Its average depth on the American 
bottom is from twenty to twentyvfiye feet. Logs of wood, 
and other indications, are found at that depth. The soij 
dug from wells on these bottoms, produces luxuriantly 
the first year. 

28* 



330 GEOGRAPHICAL, CATECHISM 

The most extensive and fertile tract, of this description 
of soil, in this state, is the American Bottom, a name it 
received when it constituted the western boundary of the 
United States, and which it has retained ever since. It 
commences at the mouth of Kaskaskia river, five miles 
below the town of Kaskaskia, and extends northwardly 
along the Mississippi to the bluffs at Alton, a distance 
of ninety miles. Its average width is five miles, and con- 
tains about 450 square miles, or 288,000 acres. Opposite 
St. Louis, in St. Clair county, the bluffs are seven miles 
from the river. The soil of this bottom is an argillaceous 
or silicious loam, according as clay or sand happens to 
predominate in its formation. 

On the margin of the river, and of some of its lakes, is 
a strip of heavy timber, with a thick undergrowth, which 
extends from half a mile to two miles in width ; but from 
thence to the bluffs, it is' principally prairie. It is inter- 
spersed with sloughs, lakes, and ponds, the most of which 
becomes dry in autumn. 

The soil of the American bottom is inexhaustibly rich. 
About the French towns it has been cultivated, and pro- 
duced corn in succession for more than a century, without 
exhausting its fertilizing powers. The only objection 
that can be offered to this tract is its unhealthy character. 
This, however, has diminished rapidly within eight or ten 
years. 

The villages of Kaskaskia, Prairie du Rocher, and Ca- 
hokia, were built up by French industry in places where 
Americans would have perished. Cultivation has, no 
doubt, rendered this tract more salubrious than formerly; 
and an increase of it, together with the construction of 
drains and canals, will make it one of the most eligible in 
the States. 

The bottoms of Illinois, where not inundated, are equal 



OF ILLINOIS 331 

in fertility, and the soil is less adhesive than most parts 
of the American bottom. This is likewise the character 
of the bottoms in the northern parts of the state. 

The bottoms of the Kaskaskia are generally covered 
with a heavy growth of timber, and in many places inun- 
dated when the river is at its highest floods. 

The extensive prairies adjoining, will create a demand 
for all this timber. The bottom lands on the Wabash are 
of various qualities. Near the mouth, much of it is inun- 
dated. Higher up it overflows in high freshets. 

These bottoms, especially the American, are the best 
regions in the United States for raising stock, particularly 
horses, cattle, and swine. Seventy-five bushels of corn to 
the acre is an ordinary crop. 

The roots and worms of the soil, the acorns and other 
fruits from the trees, and the fish of the lakes, accelerate 
the growth of the swine. 

Horses and cattle find exhaustless supplies of grass in 
the prairies ; and pea vines, buffalo grass, wild oats, and 
other herbage in the timber, for summer range ; and often 
throughout most of the winter. 

3. Prairies. — Much the largest proportion is undulat- 
ing, dry, and extremely fertile. Other portions are level, 
and the soil in some cases proves to be wet ; — the water, 
not running off freely, is left to be absorbed by the soil, 
or evaporated by the sun. Crawfish throw up their hil- 
locks in this soil, and the farmer who cultivates it will find 
his labors impeded by the water. 

In the southern part, (that is south of the National Road 
leading from Terre Haute to the Mississippi,) the prairies 
are comparatively small, varying in size from those of se- 
veral miles in width, to those which contain only a few 
acres. 

As we go northward, they widen and extend on the 
more elevated ground between the water courses to a 



332 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM. 

vast distance, and are frequently from six to twelve 
miles in width. 

Their borders are b}' no means uniform. Long points 
of timber project into the prairies, and line the banks of 
the streams, and points of prairie project into the timber 
between these streams. 

The fire annually sweeps over the prairies, destroying 
the grass and herbage, blackening the surface, and leav- 
ing a deposit of ashes to enrich the soil. 

1. Barrens. — This term, in the western dialect, does not 
indicate poor land, but a species of surface of a mixed 
character, uniting forest and prairie. 

The timber is generally scattering, of a rough and 
stunted appearance, interspersed with patches of hazle 
mid brushwood, and where the contest between the fire 
and timber is kept up, each striving for mastery. 

Like all other tracts of country, the barrens present a 
considerable diversity of soil. In general, however, the 
surface is more uneven or rolling than the prairies, and • 
sooner degenerates into ravines and sink-holes. 

Wherever timber barely sufficient for present purposes 
can be found, a person need not hesitate to settle in the 
barrens. These tracts are almost invariably healthy; 
they possess a greater abundance of pure springs of 
water, and the soil is better adapted for all kinds of pro* 
dtice, and all descriptions of seasons, wet and dry, than 
the deeper and richer mould of the bottoms and prai- 
ries. 

5. Forest, or timbered Land. In general, Illinois is 
abundantly supplied with timber, and were it equally dis- 
tributed through the state, there would be no part in 
want. The rapidity with which the young growth pushes 
itself forward, without a single effort on the part of man 
to accelerate it, and the readiness with which the prairie 
becomes converted into thickets, and then into a forest of 



OF ILLINOIS. 333 

young timber, shows that, in another generation, timber 
will not be wanting in any part of Illinois. 

The kinds of timber most abundant are oaks of various 
species, black and white walnut, ash of several kinds, elm, 
sugar maple, honey locust, hackberry, linden, hickory, 
cotton wood, pecaun, mulberry, buckeye, sycamore, wild 
cherry, box elder, sassafras, and persimmon. In the 
southern and eastern parts of the state are yellow poplar 
and beech; near the Ohio are cypress, and in several 
counties are clumps of yellow pine and cedar. On the 
Calamick, near the south end of Lake Michigan, is a small 
forest of white pine. The undergrowth are redbud, paw- 
paw, sumach, plum, crab apple, grape vines, dogwood, 
spice bush, green brier, hazle, &c. 

The alluvial soil of the rivers produces cotton wood 
and sycamore timber of amazing size. 

6. There are but few tracts of stony ground in the state ; 
that is, where loose stones are scattered over the surface, 
and imbedded in the soil. Towards the northern part of 
the State, tracts of stony ground exist. Quarries of stone 
exist in the bluffs, and in the banks of the streams and 
ravines throughout the state. 

The soil is porous, easy to cultivate, and exceedingly 
productive. A strong team is required to break up the 
prairies, on account of the firm, grassy sward which 
covers them. But when subdued, they become fine, ara- 
ble lands. 
, Q. What are the Minerals of Illinois ? 

A. The northern portion of Illinois is inexhaustibly rich 
in mineral productions, while coal, secondary limestone, 
and sandstone, are found in every part. 

Iron ore has been found in the southern parts of the 
State, and is said to exist in considerable quantities in the 
northern parts. 

♦ 4 



334 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

Native copper, in small quantities, has been found on 
Muddy river, in Jackson county, and back of Harrison- 
ville, in the bluffs of Monroe county. Crystallized gyp- 
sum has been found in small quantities in St. Clair county 
Quartz crystals exist in Gallatin county. 

Silver is supposed to exist in St. Clair county, two miles 
from Rock Spring, from whence Silver creek derives its 
name. In early times; a shaft was sunk here by the 
French, and tradition tells of large quantities of the pre- 
cious metals being obtained. 

In the southern part of the state, several sections of 
land have been reserved from sale, on account of the sil- 
ver ore they are supposed to contain. 

Lead is found in vast quantities in the northern part of 
Illinois, and the adjacent territory. Here are the richest 
lead mines hitherto discovered on the globe. This portion 
of country lies principally north of Rock river, and south 
of the Wisconsin. Dubuque's, and other rich mines, are 
west of the Mississippi. 

Native copper, in large quantities, exists in this region, 
especially at the mouth of Plum creek, and on the Peek- 
a-ton-o-kee, a branch of Rock river. 

Bituminous coal abounds in Illinois. It may be seen 
frequently in the ravines and gullies, and in the points of 
bluffs. Exhaustless beds of this article exist in the bluffs 
of St. Clair county, bordering on the Ameriean bottom, 
of which, large quantities are transported to St. Louis, 
for fuel. There is scarce a county in the state, but what 
can furnish coal in reasonable quantities. Large beds 
are said to exist near the Vermillion of the Illinois, and 
in the vicinity of the rapids of the latter. 

A petrified tree of black walnut was found in the bed of 
the river Des Plaines, about 40 rods above its junction 
with the Kankakee, imbedded in a horizontal position, in 



OF 1 ILLINOIS. 385 

a stratum of limestone. There are fifty-one and a half 
feet of the trunk visible, eighteen inches in diameter at the 
smallest, and probably three feet at the other end. 

Muriate of soda, or common salt, is found in various 
parts of the state, held in solution in the springs. The 
manufacture of salt, by boiling and evaporation, is car- 
ried on in Gallatin county, 12 miles west-north-west from 
Shawneetown, in Jackson county, near Brownsville; and 
in Vermillion county near Danville. The springs and 
land are owned by the state, and the works leased. 

A coarse freestone mucn used in building, is dug from 
quarries near Alton, on the Mississippi, where large bodies 
exist. 

Scattered over the surface of our prairies, are large 
masses of rock, of granite formation, roundish in form, 
usually called by the people " lost rocks" They will 
weigh from one thousand, to ten or twelve thousand 
pounds, and are entirely detached, and frequently are 
found, several miles distant from any quarry. Nor has 
there ever been a quarry of granite discovered in the 
state. These stones are denominated bowlders, in miner- 
alogy. They usually lie on the surface, or are partially 
imbedded in the soil of our prairies, which is unquestion- 
ably of diluvial formation. How they came here is a 
question of difficult solution. 

Q. Are there any mineral or medical springs in this 
State ? 

A. Medicinal waters are found in different parts of the 
state. These are chiefly sulphur springs and chalybeate 
waters. There is said to be one well in the southern part 
strongly impregnated with the sulphate of magnesia, or 
Epsom salts, from which considerable quantities have 
been made for sale, by simply evaporating the water in a 
kettle over a common fire. There are several sulphur 



336 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

springs in Jefferson county, to which persons resort for 
health. 

Q, Are there any caves in this State ? 

A. The " Cave in Rock," or " House of Nature," below 
Shawneetown, is pointed out to passengers on the Ohio, 
as a great curiosity, and its front is marked with the 
names of its visitors. Above and below it, are high, per- 
pendicalar limestone bluffs, surmounted with cedars, 
above which are sailing in the blue, eagles, birds of prey, 
or aquatic fowls. The entrance to the cave is just above 
high water mark. It has an arched roof of 25 or 30 feet 
high, and extends back 130 feet. It has occasionally 
afforded a temporarary winter asylum to families descend- 
ing the river. 

Q. What are the natural curiosities in Illinois ? 

A. Rock Fort is a projection from the left bank of the 
Illinois river. Its base is washed on three sides by the 
Illnois, which here flows rapidly over a rocky bed. 
Broken masses of rock are seen above the surface of the 
water. The judgment of the beholder would give the 
height of this cliff at 250 feet. The actual admeasurement 
however, might fall short of this. ' Its perpendicular sides, 
arising from the river, are inaccessible. It is connected 
with a chain of hills that extend up the Illinois by a nar- 
row ledge, the only ascent to which is by a winding and 
precipitous path. This rock has on its top a level surface, 
three-fourths of an acre in extent, and covered by a soih 
several feet in depth, which has thrown up a growth of 
young trees. These form, as they receive their peculiar 
tints from the seasons, a verdant Or gorgeous, and party- 
coloured crown, for this battlement of nature's creation. 
The advantages which it affords, as an impregnable re- 
treat, induced a band of Illinois Indians, who sought a 
refuge from the fury of the Pottawattamies, with whom 






OF ILLINOIS. 337 

they were at war, to intrench themselves here. They 
repulsed all the assaults of their besiegers, and would 
have remained masters of their high tower, but for the 
impossibility of longer obtaining supplies of water. They 
had been used to attaching vessels to ropes of bark, and 
dropping them into a river from an overhanging point. 
Their enemies stationed themselves in canoes at the base 
of the cliff, and cut the ropes as fast as they were let 
down. The consequence of this was a surrender, and the 
entire extirpation of the band. An intrenchment is dis- 
tinctly visible, and fragments of antique pottery, and 
other curious remains of the vanished race are strewed 
around. 

Q. What are the natural productions of this State ? 

A. The principal trees and shrubs of Illinois have been 
noticed under the head of " Forest, or Timbered Land.'' 
Of oaks there are several species, as overcup, burr oak, 
swamp or water oak, white oak, red or Spanish oak, post 
oak, and black oak of several varieties, with the black- 
jack, a dwarfish, gnarled looking tree, excellent for fuel, 
but good for nothing else. The black walnut is much 
used for building materials and cabinet work, and sustains 
a fine polish. 

In most parts of the state, grape vines, indigenous to 
the country, are abundant, which yield grapes that might 
advantageously be made into excellent wine. Foreign 
vines are susceptible of easy cultivation. These are cul- 
tivated to a considerable extent at Vevay, Switzerland 
county, Indiana, and at New Harmony on the Wabash. 
The indigenous vines are prolific, and produce excellent 
fruit. They are found in every variety of soil; inter- 
woven in every thicket in the prairies and barrens ; and 
climbing to the tops of the very highest trees on the bot- 
toms. The French in early times, made so much wine as 
to export some to France ; upon which the proper autho- 

29 



338 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECIlIS.il 

rities prohibited the introduction of wine from Illinois 
lest it might injure the sale of that staple article of the 
kingdom. I think the act was passed by the board of 
trade, in 1774. 
The editor of the Illinois Magazine remarks : 
"We know one gentleman who made twenty-seven 
barrels of wine in a single season, from the grar.es 
gathered with but little labour, in his immediate neigh- 
bourhood." 

The wild plum is found in every part of the state ; but 
in most instances the fruit is too sour for use, unless for 
preserves. Crab apples are equally prolific, and make 
fine preserves with about double their bulk of sugar. 
Wild cherries are equally productive. The persimmon U* 
a delicious fruit, after the frost has destroyed its astrin- 
gent properties. The black mulberry grows in most parts, 
and is used for the feeding of silk-worms with success. 
They appear to thrive and spin as well as on the Italian 
mulberry. The gooseberry, strawberry, and blackberry, 
grow wild and in great profusion. Of our nuts, the 
hickory, black walnut, and pecaun, deserve notice. The 
last is an oblong, thin-shelled, delicious nut, that grows 
on a large tree, a species of the hickory, (the Gary a olivet 
forrais of Nuttal.) The pawpaw grows in the bottoms-, 
and rich timbered uplands, and produces a large, pulpy, 
and luscious fruit. 

Q. What is the climate of Illinois ? 
A. In the southern part of the state, during the three 
winter months, snow frequently falls, but seldom lies 
long. In the northern part, the winters are as cold, but 
not so much snow falls, as in the same latitudes in the 
Atlantic States. 

We are satisfied, (says Beck,) after a long course of 
observations, much travelling, and conversing with many 
hundreds of families with the view of arriving at correct 



OF ILLINOIS. 339 

conclusions on these subjects, that there is no sucli opera- 
tion as that of emigrants undergoing a seasoning, or be- 
coming acclimated, in the states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, 
Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Michigan, or the Wis- 
consin Territory. Nor does it make the least difference 
from what part of the United State, or Europe, they 
come, nor whether they arrive here in spring or autumn. 
The impression has formerly existed abroad, that Illinois 
is less healthy than other western states. This is entire- 
ly erroneous. 

New comers will find it advantageous for protecting 
themselves from the damp atmosphere at night, to pro- 
vide close dwellings ; yet when the air is clear, to leave 
open doors and windows at night for free circulation, but 
not to sleep directly in the current of air ; and invariably 
to wear thin clothing in the heat of the day, and put on 
thicker garments at night, and in wet and cloudy weather. 

Those families are seldom sick who live in comfortable 
houses, with tight floors, and well ventilated rooms j- and 
who, upon change of weather, and especially in time of 
rains, make a little fire in the chimney. 

In case of sickness, physicians are to be found in almost 
every county, and every season adds to their number. 
Charges are somewhat higher than in the northern states. 
Many families keep a few simple articles of medicine, and 
administer for themselves. Calomel is a specific; and is 
taken by multitudes without hesitation, or fear of danger. 

The milk sickness is a disease of a singular character, 
which prevails in certain places. It first affects animals, 
especially cows, and from them is communicated to the 
human system by eating the milk or flesh. Much specu- 
lation has been had upon its cause, which is still unknown. 
The prevailing idea is, that it is caused by some poison- 
ous substance eaten by the cattle, but whether vegetable 
qy mineral, remains undetermined. Physicians and others 



340 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

have attempted to ascertain the cause of this disease, 
but hitherto without success. 

Describe biiefly the Government of this State. 

The constitution of Illinois was adopted at Kaskaskias, 
26th August. 1818. The legislative authority of this state 
is vested in a general assembly, which consists of a senate 
and house of representatives, both elected by the people. 
No person can be a representative who has not attained 
to the age of 21 years, who shall not be a citizen of the 
United States, and an inhabitant of this state, who shall 
not have resided within the limits of the county or dis- 
trict in which he shall be chosen, twelve months next pre- 
ceding his election, unless absent on public business, &c. 
No person shall be a senator who has not arrived at the 
age of 25 years, who shall not be a citizen of the United 
States, and who shall not have resided one year in the 
county or district in which he shall be chosen immediate- 
ly preceding his election, &c. 

The executive power of this state is vested in a gov- 
ernor. The governor is chosen by the electors of the 
members of the general assembly, at the same places, 
and in the same manner that they respectively vote for 
members thereof. The governor holds his office for four 
years, and until another shall be elected and qualified ; 
but he is not eligible for more than four years in any 
term of eight years. Must be 30 years of age when 
elected, a citizen of the United States, and two years 
next preceding his election a resident of Illinois. 

A lieutenant governor is chosen at every election for 
governor, in the same manner, to continue in office for 
the same time, and possess the same qualifications. The 
lieutenant governor is speaker of the senate, &c. 

The judicial power of this state is vested in one supreme 
court, and such inferior courts as the general assembly 
shall, from time to time, ordain and establish, 



OF ILLINOIS. 341 

The justices of the supreme court, and the judges of the 
inferior courts, are appointed by joint ballot of both 
branches of the general assembly, and commissioned by 
the Governor; their offices during good behaviour. Re- 
mo veable by impeachment or by address of two-thirds of 
each branch of the general assembly. 

The governor has power to grant reprieves and pardon 
after conviction, except in cases of impeachment, and has 
farther the usual powers and duties to perform of gov- 
ernors of the other respective states. From any disabi- 
lity, death, &c. of the governor, the powers and duties of 
the office devolve on the lieutenant governor. 

By the general provisions of the constitution of 'Illinois, 
the right of suffrage is secured to the white male citizens 
above 21 years of age. 

No person can be imprisoned for debt unless on refusal 
to deliver up his property, or on strong suspicions of 
fraud. The right of trial by jury is to remain inviolate. 
By article 6th, section 1, neither slavery nor involuntary 
servitude is to be introduced into the state. All children 
born in the state, white or coloured, become free, the 
males at 21, and the females at 18. Liberty of the press, 
of public worship, limited only by the public peace. 
Q. What is the population of Illinois ? 
A. In 1830 the population amounted to 157,445; ^nd in 
1S25 the population was 272,427. 

Q. What are the civil divisions of Illinois? 
A. There are 66 counties laid off in this state-; 59 of 
which are organized for judicial purposes. The six last 
named in the following table were laid off at the recent 
session of the legislature, January, 1836. 

In this state, there are no civil divisions into townships 
as in Ohio, &c. The township tracts of six miles square, 
3D. the public surveys, relate exclusively to the land system. 

29* 



542 



G EO 3 A APHIC AX C ATEC HIS JI 







Ul 


•n 




U 


43 


o 






BE 

o 


SB 


S3 




COUNTIES. 


• o 

3 
p 


a 

g 

CD 

m 
■ 


o" 

oo 


SEATS OF JUSTICE. 

4 


Adams, 


1825 


820 


7042'Quincy, 


Alexander, - 


1819 


375 


2050 1 Unity, 


Bond, - 


1817 


3G0 


3580 Greeneviile, 


Calhoun, - 


1825 


260 


1091 


Gilead, 


Champaign, 


1833 


864 


1045 


Uroanna, 


Clark, - 


1819 


500 


3413 


Marshall, 


< lay, - 


1824 


620 


1648 


Maysville, 


< iinton, 


1824 


500 


2648 


Carlylc, 


Crawford, - 


1816 


378 


3540 


Palestine, 


Coles, - 


1830 


1248 


5125 Charleston, 


Cook, - 


1830 




9826 


Chicago, 


Edgar, 


1823 


648 


6668 


Paris, 


Edwards, - 


1814 


200 


2006 


Albion, 


Effingham, - 


1831 


486 


1055 


Ewington, 


Fayette, 


1821 


684 


3633 


VANDALIA, 


Franklin, - 


1818 


850 


5551 


Frankfort, 


Fulton, 


1825 


590 


5917 


Lewistown, 


Gallatin, 


1812 


823 


8660 


Equality, 


Greene, 


1821 


912 


12274 


Carrol] ton, 


Hamilton, - 


1821 


378 


2877 


McLeansboroug': 


Hancock, - 


1825 


775 


3249 


Carthage, 


Henry, 


1825 


800 


118 




Iroquois, 


1833 




1164 




Jackson, 


1816 


576 


2783 


Brownsville, 


Jasper, 


1831 


288 


415 


Newton, 


Jefferson, - 


1819 


576 


3350 


Mount Vernon, 


Jo Daviess, - 


1827 




4038 


Galena, 


Johnson, 


1812 


486 


2166 


Vienna, 


Knox, - 


1825 


792 


1600 


Knoxville, 


Lasalle, 


1831 




4754 


Ottawa, 


Lawrence, - 


1821 


560 


4450 j La wrencevilic, 


Macon, 


1829 


1404 


3022 


Decatur. 


Madison, 


1812 


750 


9016 


Edwardsvilie, 


Macoupin, - 


1829 


720 


5554 


Carlinville, 


Marion, 


1823 


576 


2844 


Salem, 





OF 


ILLINOIS. 


343 




D 

p 


Ul 


*J 






CD 





o 

T3 
P 






r£ O 


fi) 






COUNTIES. 


C* 1 "* 


o 


CO t-t- 


SEATS OF JUSTICE. 




o 

-i 


g 


S*o" 






B 


50 


p 




McDonough, 


1825 


576 


2883 


Bloomington, 


?>icLean, 


1830 


1916 


5311 


New Boston, 


Mercer, 


1825 


553 


497 


Macomb, 


Monroe, 


1816 


360 


2660 


Waterloo, 


Montgomery, 


1821 


960 


3740 


Hillsborough, 


Morgan, 


1823 


1150 


19214 


Jacksonville, 


Peoria, 


1824 


648 


3220 


Peoria, 


Perry. 


1827 


446 


2201 


Pinckneyvilie, 


Pike, - 


1821 


800 


€037 Pittsfield, 


Pope, - 


1816 


576 


3756 Goiconda, 


Putnam, 


1825 


1340 


4021 


Hennepin, 


Randolph, - 


1795 


540 


5695 


Kaskaskia, 


Rock Island, 


1831 


377 


616 


Step!>enson, 


Sangamon, - 


1821 


1234 


17573 


Springfield, 


Schiller. - 


1825 


864 


6361 


Rushville, 


Shelby. 


1827 


1 080 


4848 


Shelbyviile, 


St Ciair, - 


1795 


1030 


9055 


Belleville, 


Tazewell, - 


1827 


1130 


5850 


Tremont, 


Union, 


1818 


396 


4156 


Jonesboro', 


Vermillion, - 


1826 


1000 


8103 


Danville, 


Wabash, 


1824 


180 


3010 


Mount Carmel, 


Warren, 


1325 


900 


2623 


Monmouth, 


Washington, 


1818 


656 


3292 


Nashville, 


Wayne, 


1819 


576 


2939 


Fairfield, 


White, 


1815 


516 


6489 


Carmt 


NEVf COUNTIES, FORM- 


272427 




ED J AST ART, L836. 










wm, - 








Juliett, 


Whiteside, - 








The seats of jus- 


Kane, - - 








tice are not estab- 


Ogle, - 








lished in these coun- 


M'Henry, - 








ties, and much of 


Winnebago, 


i 






the land unsurveyM 



344 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

Q. What are the boundaries &c. of Adams county I 

A. Adams is bounded on the north by Hancock ; east 
Schuyler ; southeast and south by Pike; and on the west 
is separated from Marion county and a section of the un- 
appropriated part of the state of Missouri by the Missis- 
sippi river. 

The western and central parts of this county slope 
westward towards the Mississippi river, whilst the eastern 
border gives source to creeks, the water of which is finally 
discharged into Illinois river. 

Its streams are Bear creek and branches, Cedar, Tyrer, 
Mill, Fall, and Pigeon creeks, with the Mississippi on its 
western border. Timber various, with equal proportions 
of prairie.* 

Q. What description can you give of Alexander county ? 

A. Alexander county is bounded north by Union, John- 
son northeast, the Ohio river separating it from McCrack- 
en county Kentucky southeast ; and the Mississippi river 
separating it from from Scott county Missouri south and 
southwest, and from Cape Girardeau county Missouri 
west and northwest. This county occupies the penin- 
sula above and below the junction of the Ohio and Mis- 
sissippi rivers. Cash river or creek a small stream rising 
in Union, and Johnson counties, traverses Alexander ir. 
another direction, falling into the Ohio river about 5 miles 
above its junction with the Mississippi. It is all timbered ; 
half alluvion, some inundated at high water; lime and 
sandstone on the Ohio ; soil generally rich. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Bond county? 
A. Bond county is bounded by Clinton south ; Madison 
west ; Montgomery north, and Lafayette east. The slope 
is nearly due south, and in that direction is drained by 

* For con nty towns, square miles, and population, see table page. 



OF ILLINOIS. 345 

Shoal creek and other small streams flowing into Kaskas- 
kia river. 

It has regular proportions of timber and prairie ; rather 
level ; second rate. Minerals are sandstone and coal ; 
also salt springs. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Calhoun county ? 

A. Calhoun county of Illinois, comprising the point be- 
tween the Mississippi proper and Illinois rivers, is bound- 
ed by Illinois river, separating it from Greene county east, 
and the Mississippi river, separating it from St. Charles 
county Missouri south, Lincoln county Missouri west, and 
Pike county Missouri north. This county is alluvial, and 
sometimes inundated along the rivers; broken bluffs along 
the rivers; but the interior is table land; soil is good; 
prairies at the foot of the bluffs. Minerals; coal, lime and 
sandstone. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Champaign county ? 

A. It is bounded north by Iroquois ; east by Vermillion ; 
south by Coles ; and west by Macon and McLean coun- 
ties. The streams are the heads of the Kaskaskia, Sanga- 
mon, Vermillion of Illinois, Salt Fork of the Vermillion of 
the Wabash, and the Embarras, all running in opposite 
directions. It has extensive prairies, is a little undulating, 
and very rich ; timber in groves ; many granite bowlders. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Clark county ? 

A. Clark county is bounded south by Crawford ; west 
by Shelby; north by Edgar; by Wabash river, separating 
it from Vigo county Indiana east; and from Sullivan 
county Indiana, southeast. Little Wabash rises in the 
west part of Clark, which is traversed also by the west 
and east branches of Embarras river; all those streams 
flowing to the southward. The eastern part slopes south- 
eastward obliquely towards the Washitau. The soil of 
this county is second rate. It has both timber and prai- 
ries, 



346 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

Q. What are the boundaries, <sx. of Clay county? 

A. Clay county is bounded southeast by Edwards, south 
by Wayne, southwest by Marion, northwest by Fayette, 
north and northeast by Crawford, and east by Lawrence. 
The main stream of Little Wabash enters the northern 
border irom Fayette, and inflecting to southeast receives 
.numerous creeks from, and traverses Clay, issuing from it 
in the southeast angle. Two-thirds of this county are 
prairie of inferior quality, rather level and wet. 

What are the boundaries, &c. of Clinton county ? 

A. Clinton county is bounded by Washington south, St- 
Clair southwest, Madison northwest, Bond north, Fayette 
northeast, and Mark n east. This county is traversed from 
its northern border in a direction of south southwest by 
Kaskaskia river and by Shoal creek and other of its 
branches. 

The surface is undulating ; soil second rate. 

Q,. W r hat are the boundaries, &c. of Crawford county ? 

A. Crawford county is bounded southeast by Law- 
rence, southwest by Clay, west by Lafayette, north by 
Clark, northeast by the Wabash river, separating it from 
the northern part of Sullivan county, Indiana, east by 
Wabash river, separating it from the southern part of 
Sullivan county, Indiana, and the Wabash river, separat- 
ing it from the northwest angle of Knox county, Indiana. 

This county is traversed in a southeast direction, and 
subdivided into two not very unequal sections by Em- 
barras river. Some of the higher sources of the Little 
Wabash rise in its southwest angle. The general slope 
is a little east of south. 

This county has some level prairies, is rather sandy, 
with a full supply of timber. County town is Palestine, 
situated near the right bank of Wabash river. 

Q. What are the boundaries, <&c. of Cole county ? 

A. Cole county is bounded by Jasper southeast, Effing- 



OF ILLINOIS. 34? 

ham southwest, Shelby west, Macon northwest, Vermil- 
lion northeast, and Edgar and Clark east. 

This county contains a table land from which flow the 
Kaskaskias to south-southwest, and the Embarras to 
south. 

This county contains much excellent land ; undulating, 
rich prairies; some level and wet land in the southern 
part. Timber is in sufficient quantities. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Cook county ? 

A. Cook county is bounded by the northwestern angle of 
Indiana, southeast, Lasalle southwest and west, and Lake 
Michigan northeast. 

Though bounded on the northeast by Lake Michigan, 
the slope of more than nine-tenths of Cook county is to 
the southwestward. Plane river, rising near its northern 
border flows southward about 30 miles at a mean distance 
of about eight miles, until it reaches a point 12 miles south- 
west from Chicago on Lake Michigan, from whence in- 
flecting to southwest 40 miles, it joins Pickinink river, 
forming Illinois river, near the border between Lasalle 
and Cook counties The latter contains, therefore, the 
natural water communication most direct between the 
Canadian lakes and the basin of Mississippi river. The 
intermediate country is an almost unbroken plain, and at 
times of high water canoes can be navigated over it, and 
almost inviting man to complete the work commenced by 
Nature. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Edgar county ? 

A. Edgar county is bounded north by Vermillion ; east 
by the state of Indiana, south by Clark, and west by 
Cole county. It is watered by Big, Clear, and Brulette's 
creeks, which are small streams, and enter the Wabash. 
Little Embarras heads in the western and southwestern 
parts of this county, and runs southwest into Cole. The 
south and east sides of this county are well timbered. 



34g GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

with all the varieties found in the eastern side of the state, 
including poplar. The soil in general is rich, adapted to 
the various productions of this state. 

It has a number of saw mills, grist mills, and various 
other mills and machinery in active operation. 

Q. What are the boundaries, <fcc. of Edwards county ? 

A. Edwards county lies on the Little Wabash river, 
and has Lawrence county on the north, Wabash county 
east, White county south, and Wayne county west. 

It is proportionally divided into timber and prairie. 
The prairies are small, high, undulating, and bounded by 
heavy timber. The English settlement formed by Messrs. 
Berbeck and Flowers, is in this county. It is watered by 
the Little Wabash river, and the Bon Pas, and their 
branches. 

Q,. What are the boundaries, &c. of Effingham county ? 

A. Effingham county is bounded north by Shelby, and 
a corner of Cole, east by Jasper, south by Clay and a 
corner of Fayette, and west by Fayette. It is watered 
by the Little Wabash river and its branches, and contains 
good second rate land, tolerably level. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Fayette county ? 

A. Fayette was formed from Bond, Edwards, Crawford, 
and Clark, in 1821. It is situated on the Kaskaskia river, 
and is bounded north by Shelby, east by Effingham, south 
by Marion, and a corner of Clinton, and west by Bond 
and Montgomery. Besides the Kaskaskia, it is watered 
by Hurricane fork, Higgin's, Ramsey's, and Beck's creeks 
on the west, and by Big and Hickory creeks on the east. 
The land is similar to that in Effingham county. 

The principal settlements are Hurricane Seminary 
township, Backmaster's, Halls, Browns, Wakefields, Ha- 
ley's, and Big Creek. There are several grist mills, and 
a steam saw mill in tnis county. 



OF ILLINOIS. 349 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Franklin county ? 

A. Franklin county is bounded north by Jefferson, east 
by Hamilton and Gallatin, south by Johnson and Union, 
and west by Jackson and a corner of Perry county. It 
is watered by Big Muddy river and branches, and the 
south fork of Saline creek. The prairies are generally 
small and fertile, but rather too level; timber in abun- 
dance ; soil sandy. 

Q. What are the boundaries, «&c. of Fulton county \ 

A. Fulton county is bounded north by Knox, east by 
Peoria, south by the Illinois river and Schuyler county, 
and west by Schuyler and M'Donough counties. The 
Illinois washes its southeastern side, and gives it an irre- 
gular shape. The Spoon river passes through it; and 
Otter creek waters the southwestern, and Copperas creek 
the northeastern portions. Nearly one-half is heavily 
timbered, and the land is of an excellent quality. 

The streams in this county furnish good mill seats. 
This, in common with all the country bordering on the 
Illinois, promises to become a wealthy agricultural coun- 
try. 

Q. What are the boundaries, <&c. of Gallatin county? 

A. Gallatin county is bounded north by White county, 
east by the states of Indiana and Kentucky, south by 
Pope county, and west by Pope and Franklin counties. 
It is washed by tie Wabash and Ohio river, and Saline 
creek. 

This county is well adapted to the raising of stock. 

Q,. What are the boundaries, &c. of Greene county ? 

A. Greene county is bounded north by Morgan, east by 
Macoupen, south by Madison and the Mississippi river, 
and west by tne Illinois river. The soil resembles that of 
Fulton county. 

Q. What are the boundaries &c. of Hamilton connty } 

A. It is bounded north by Wayne, east by White, south 
30 



850 fcEOGSRAFHlCAL CATECHISM 

by Gallatin, and west by Franklin and Jefferson counties, 
Its waters are the Saline creek, and Little Wabash river, 
The soil is second rate. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Hancock county ? 

A. Hancock county lies north of Adams, west of McDo- 
nough, south of Warren ; and is washed by the Missis- 
sippi on its western side. Hancock prairie, from 12 to 20 
miles in width, runs through this county. Its waters are 
Bear, Camp, and the branches of crooked creeks. Land 
is excellent. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Henry county ? 

A. Henry county is bounded north by Rock river, east 
by Jo Davies and Putnam, south by Knox, and west by 
Mercer and Rock Island counties. It is watered by Ed- 
wards, and some of the head branches of Spoon river. 
Rock river, and the Winnebago swamp and outlet. Land 
is good. 

Q,. What are the boundaries, &c. of Iroquois county ? 

A. It is bounded north by Cook county, east by the 
state of Indiana, south by Vermillion county, and west 
by an unsettled strip of country. 

Kankakee, Iroquois, and Sugar creeks, are its principal 
water courses. It is attached as yet to Vermillion county. 
Soil same as in Gallatin county 1 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Jackson county? 

A. Jackson county has Randolph on the north, Frank- 
lin on the east, and Union county south ; and on the west 
it is bounded by the Mississippi river and part of Ran- 
dolph county. Its land is good, and well timbered. Its 
exports are salt, coal, beef, pork, horses, &c. 

Q» What are the boundaries, &g. of Jasper county ? 

A. Jasper county is bounded north by Cole, east by 
Crawford, south by Lawrence and Clay, and west by a 
eorner of Clay and Effingham, Its waters are the Em- 



OF ILLINOIS. 351 

terras, and the Muddy Fork of the Little Wabash. Land 
good. 
ij. What are the boundaries, &c. of Jefferson county? 

A. Jefferson county is bounded north by Marion, eas* 
by Wayne and Hamilton, south by Franklin, and west by 
Perry and Washington. It is watered by the branches of 
Big Muddy, and a small branch of the Little Wabash. 
The soil is second rate. — About one third prairie. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Jo Daviess county ? 

A. Jo Daviess county is bounded north by the Wiscon- 
sin territory, east by Rock river, south by Putnam, Henry 
and Rock Island counties, and west by the Mississippi 
river. It is watered by Fever river, Apple, Rush and 
Plum creeks, and some smaller streams. This county is 
rich for mining and agriculture. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Johnson county ? 

A. Johnson county is bounded north by Franklin, east 
by Pope, south by the Ohio river, and west by Union and 
Alexander counties.' Besides the Ohio, its waters are 
Cash river and Big Bay creek. Land in general good ; — 
some barrens. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Knox county ? 

A. Knox county is bounded north by Henry, east by 
Peoria, south by Fulton, and west by Warren. Soil simi- 
lar to that of Greene county. 

Q. What are the boundaries, &c of La Salle county ? 

A. La Salle county lies west of Cook, north of M'Lean, 
and east of Putnam. It lxas good soil, but is deficient in 
timber. 

Q. What are the boundaries, <&c. of Lawrence county ? 

A. Lawrence county is bounded north by Crawford, 
■east by the Wabash river, south by Wabash and Edwards 
counties, and West by CJay. It is watered by Embarras 



352 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

fiver and Racoon creek. In the prairies of this county 
are many swamps. Soil generally inferior. 

Q. What are the boundaries, etc. of Macon county ? 

A. Macon county is bounded north by M'Lean, east by 
Champaign and Cole, south by Shelb)^, and west by San- 
gamon. Its waters are the Kaskaskia and tributaries, 
the North Fork of the Sangamon, and Salt creek. Soil 
first rate. 

Q. What are the boundaries, etc. of Madison county ? 

A. Madison county is bounded north by Greene and 
Macoupen, east by Bond and a corner of Clinton, south 
by St. Clair, and west by the Mississippi river. It is 
watered by Silver and Cahokia creeks, and Wood river 
and their branches. Soil good; productions abundant, 
and market ready. 

Q. What are the boundaries, etc. of Macoupen county ? 

A. Macoupen county is bounded north by Sangamon 
and Morgan, east by Montgomery, south by Madison, and 
west by Greene. It is watered by Macoupen and Cahokia 
creeks, and the heads of Wood's river. It is a good agri- 
cultural county. 

Q. What are the boundaries, etc. of Marion county? 

A. Marion county is bounded north by Fayette, east by 
day, south by Jefferson, and west by Clinton. It is 
watered by the east Fork of the Kaskaskia, Skillet Fork, 
and crooked creek. Land second rate. 

Q. What are the boundaries, etc. of McDonough county ? 

McDonough county is bounded north by Warren, east 
by Fulton, south by Schuyler, and west by Hancock. 
Crooked creek and its branches water most of this coun- 
ty. Land first rate. 

Q. What are the boundaries, etc. of McLean county ? 

A. It has La Salle on the north, Champaign east, Macon 
south, and Tazewell west. It is watered by the Macki- 



OF ILLINOIS. 353 

fe&W, Kickapoo, Sugar creek, and Salt creek. County is 
elevated, and soil rich. 

Q. What are the boundaries, etc. of Mercer county ? * 

A. It lies north of Warren, west of Henry, and south 
of Rock Island counties, and has the Mississippi on its 
western side. It is watered by Pope and Edwards rivers. 
Prairie and woodland alternate. 

Describe the boundaries^etc. of Monroe county. 
Monroe county is bounded north by St Clair, east by 
St Clair and Randolph, south by Randolph, and west by 
the Mississippi. It is watered by Horse, Prairie de Long, 
and Eagle creeks. Country hilly and broken, with sink 
holes. 

Describe Montgomery county. 

Montgomery is bounded north by Sangamon, east by 
Shelby and Fayette, south by Bond, and west by Madison 
and Macoupen counties. It is watered by Shoal creek 
and its branches, some of the heads of the Macoupen, a 
branch of the South Fork of Sangamon, and the Hurri- 
cane Fork. Surface high and undulating, 
Describe Morgan county. 
Morgan county is b©unded north and east by Sanga- 
mon, south by Macoupen and Greene, and west by the 
Illinois river. Indian, Mauvaiseterre, Apple, Sandy, and 
several other creeks rise within its borders, and furnish 
good mill seats. It is destined to become one of the rich- 
est agricultural counties in the state. 
Describe Peoria county. 
Peoria county is bounded north by Putnam, east by 
Tazewell, south by Fulton, and west by Knox. It is 
watered by the Kickapoo, the heads of Spoon river, Cop- 
peras creek, and the Senatchwine. Land tolerable. 
Describe Perry county. 
Perry county is bounded north by Washington, east by 
Jefferson and FrankKfj, south by Jackson, and west by 
30* 



354 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

Randolph. Its waters are the Big Beaucoup, and Little 
Muddy. Soil good. 

Inscribe Pike county. 

Tike county isf bounded north by Adams, east by Schuy- 
ler, south by the Illinois river and Calhoun, and west by 
the Mississippi. It is also watered by the Pigeon, Hadley, 
Keys, Black, Dutch, Church, Six Mile, and Bay creeks. 
These furnish good mill seats. Land is various. 

Describe Pope county. 

Pope county is bounded north by Gallatin, east and 
south by the Ohio river, and west by Johnson county # 
Lusk's creek, and some smaller streams water it. Ex- 
hortations extensive, and land good. 

Describe Putnam county. 

Putnam county is bounded north by Jo Daviess, east 
by La Salle, south by Tazewell and Peoria, and west by 
Henry and Knox. This is a first rate county in every 
respect. 

Describe Randolph county. 

Randolph county is bounded north by Monroe, St. Clair, 
and Washington counties, east by Perry, and south and 
west by the Mississippi river. It is watered by the Kas- 
kaskia river and St. Mary, Horse and some smaller 
Creeks. Soil various— indifler en t and first rate. 
Describe Rock Island county? 

The boundaries of this county are not yet properly de- 
fined. Rock river and some smaller streams water this 
county. Soil is rich. 

Describe Sangamon county. 

Sangamon county is bounded north by Tazewell, east 
by Macon, south by Montgomery and Macoupen, and 
west by Morgan county. It is watered by the Sangamon 
and its numerous branches. Prairies are large, and soil 
of the richest quality. 



OF ILLINOIS. 355 

Describe Schuyler county. 

Schuyler is bounded north by McDonough, east ty 
Fulton and the Illinois river, south by the Illinois river 
and Pike, and west by Adams and a corner of Hancock, 
Its waters are the Illinois river; Crooked and Crane 
creeks. Much heavy timbered land of a rich quality. 

Describe Shelby county. 

►Shelby county is bounded north by Macon, east by 
Cole, south by Effingham and Fayette, and west by Mont- 
gomery and a corner of Sangamon. It is watered by the 
Kaskaskia and its tributaries. Land excellent. 

Describe St. Clair county. 

St. Clair county is bounded north by Madison county, 
east by Clinton and Washington, and south by Randolph 
and Monroe counties. Its streams are Kaskaskia and 
Cahokia rivers, Prairie du Pont, Ogles, Silver, Richland, 
and Prairie de Long creeks. Extensive coal banks exist 
in this county, along the bluffs. Land various — most of 
it second rate. 

Describe Tazewell county. 

Tazewell county is bounded north by Putnam, east by 
McLean, south by Sangamon, and northwest by the Illi- 
nois river. It is watered by the Illinois and Mackinaw 
rivers, and Ten Mile, Farm, and Blue creeks. Much of 
the land is good. 

Describe Union county. 

Union county is bounded north by Jackson, east by 
Franklin, south by Alexander, and west by the Mississippi 
river. It is watered by Clear creek, some of the south 
branches of Big Muddy, and the heads of Cash river. 
Land is high and rolling. 

Describe Vermillion county. 

This county lies north of Edgar and Cole, east of Cham- 
paign, south of Iroquois, and west cf the state of Indiana 



&3G GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

It is watered by the Big and Little Vermillion rivers, and 
contains large bodies of excellent land. 
Describe Wabash county. 

Wabash county is bounded north by Lawrence, east 
by the Wabash river, and west by Edwards county. Ic 
is watered by the Wabash river, and Bon Pas creek, and 
also by Crawfish, Jordan and Coffee creeks. It has much 
good land. 

Describe Warren county. 

Warren county lies on the Mississippi, north of Han- 
cock and McDonough, west of Knox, and south of Mer- 
cer. Its streams are Henderson river, and its branches. 
Ellison, Honey and Camp creeks. The land on these 
streams is excellent. 

Describe Washington county. 

Washington county is bounded north by Clinton, south 
by Perry, east by Jefferson, and west by St. Clair. Its 
streams are the Kaskaskia river, Elkhorn, Beaucoup, 
and Little Muddy creeks. The prairie is of an inferior 
quality. 

Describe Wayne county. 

Wayne county is bounded north by Clay, east by Ed- 
wards, south by Hamilton, and west by Jefferson and 
Marion. It is watered by the Little Wabash, Elm, and 
Skillet Fork. 

Describe White county. 

White county is bounded north by Wabash, Edwards 
and Wayne counties, east by the Big Wabash river, south 
by Gallatin, and west by Hamilton counties. It is watered 
by the Big and Little Wabash rivers. The prairies are 
fine and rich. 

Describe the Chief Towns of Illinois. 
V AND ALIA is the seat of government till 1840, after 
which it is to be removed to Alton, according .to a vote of 



OF ILLINOIS. 357 

the people in 1834, unless they should otherwise direct. It 
is situated on the right bank of the Kaskaskia river, in 
IVorth lat. 39° 0' 42 r/ , and 58 miles in a direct line, a little 
north of cast of Alton. The public buildings are tempo- 
rary. Population about 750. 

ALTON. Two towns of this name are distinguished as 
Alton, and Upper Alton. Alton is an incorporated town, 
situated on the bank of the Mississippi, two and a half miles 
above the mouth of the Missouri. For situation, com- 
merce, business of all kinds, health, and rapidity of growth, 
it far exceeds any other town on the east bank of the 
Mississippi, above New Orleans. The population is about 
2100. The commercial business done here is already 
immense, and extends through more than half of Illinois, 
besides a large trade on the western side of the Missis- 
sippi. Great facilities for business of almost every de- 
scription, especially for every kind of mechanics, are to 
be had here. It offers one of the best situations on the 
western waters for building and repairing steamboats. 

Alton has respectable and well finished houses of wor. 
ship for the Presbyterian, Methodist Protestant, and Bap- 
tist denominations ; two good schools, a Lyceum, that 
holds weekly meetings, and two printing-offices. The 
population in general, is a moral, industrious, enterprising 
class. Few towns in the west have equalled this in con- 
tributions for public and benevolent objects, in propor- 
tion to age and population. 

The town is situated at the base, side, and top, of the 
first bluffs that extend to the river, above the mouth Of 
the Kaskaskia. Adjacent to it, and which will eventually 
become amalgamated, is Middletown, laid off directly in 
the rear. 

Upper Alton is from two and a half to three miles back 
from the river, and in the rear of Lower Alton, on elevated 



^58 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

ground, and in every respect a very healthy situation. 
Adjacent to it, and forming now a part of the town plat, 
is "Shurtleff College, of Alton, Illinois;' which bids fair to 
become an important and flourishing institution. Also 
u Alton Theological Seminary; 1 which has commenced 
operations. Both these institutions have been i ti en up 
under the influence and patronage of the Bapti? : denomi- 
nation. A female seminary of a high order, under the 
name of the " Alton Female Institute;' has been chartered, 
and a building is about to be erected for the purpose. 
The Baptists, Methodists and Presbyterians have congre- 
gations here, and two houses of worship are to be built the 
present year. 

CHICAGO is the largest commercial town in Illinois. It is 
situated at the junction of North and South branches, and 
along the main Chicago, near its entrance into lake Michi- 
gan, on a level prairie; but elevated above the highest 
floods. A recent communication from a respectable mer- 
cantile house, giving the following statistics: "Fifty-one 
stores, 30 groceries, 10 taverns, 12 physicians, 21 attor- 
nies, and 4,000 inhabitants. We have four churches, and 
two more building, one bank, a Marine and Fire Insu- 
rance company about to go into operation, and a brick 
hotel, containing 90 apartments. 

There were 9 arrivals and departures of steamboats in 
1835, and 267 of brigs and schooners, containing 5,015 
tons of merchandise and 9,400 barrels of salt, besides lum- 
ber, provisions, &c. 

The harbor now constructing by the U. S. government, 
will be so far completed in 1836, as to admit vessels and 
steamboats navigating the lakes. A few miles back of 
Chicago are extensive tracts of wet prairie. 

GALENA is the seat of justice for Jo Daviess county, situ- 
ated on Fever river, in the midst of the mining district 



OF ILLINOIS. q o 

It has about 20 stores, a dozen groceries, and about 1,000 
inhabitants. 

SPRINGFIELD is near the geographical centre of the 
state, and in the midst of a most fertile region of country. It 
is a flourishing inland to wn, and contains about 2,000 inhab- 
itants. Jacksonville, the county seat of Morgan county, 
has about the same population, and is equally delightful 
and flourishing. 

One mile west, on a most beautiful eminence, stands 
i; Illinois College,'''' founded under the auspices of the Pres- 
byterian denomination, and bids fair to become a flourish- 
ing seat of learning. 

We have not room to name, much less describe, the 
many growing towns and villages in this state, that excite 
and deserve the attention of emigrants. On the Illinois 
river are Ottawa, and several eligible sites in its vicinity, 
were towns have commenced; Beardstown, a short dis- 
tance below the mouth of Sangamon river, Peoria, at the 
foot of Peoria lake, (a most beautiful site, and containing 
1,000 inhabitants,) Meredosia, Naples, Pekin, Hennepin, 
&c. On the Mississippi, are Q,uincy, Warsaw, New Bos- 
ton, and Stephenson, the seat of justice for Rock Island 
county. Interior, are Bloomington, Decatur, Tremont, 
Shelbyville, Hillsboro', Edwards ville, Carlyle, Belleville 
Carrollton, and many others. Towards the Wabash, are 
Danville, Paris, Lawrenceville, Carmi, and Mount CarmeJ ? 
the last of which has an importance from being connected 
with the grand rapids of the Wabash. Shawneetown is 
the commercial depot for the southeastern part of the state. 
On the Military Tract are Rushville, Pittsfield, Griggsville, 
Carthage, Macomb, Mammoth, Knoxville, Lewistown, 
Canton, &c., all pleasant sites, and having a popula_ 
tion from two or three hundred to one thousand inhabi- 
tants. 



360 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

For a more particular description of each county, town . 
and settlement, with all other particulars of Illinois, the 
reader is referred to "A Gazetteer of Illinois. 

Describe the projected internal improvements of Illinois 

The project of uniting the waters of lake Michigan and 
the Illinois, by a canal, was conceived soon after the com- 
mencement of the Grand canal of Xew York, and a Board 
of commissioners, with engineers, explored the route and 
estimated the cost, in 1S23. Provision, by a grant of each 
alternate section of land within five miles of the route, 
having been granted by Congress, another Board of com- 
missioners was appointed in 1329, a new survey was 
made, and the towns of Chicago and Ottawa laid off, and 
some lots sold in 1S30. Various movements have since 
been made, but nothing effectually done, until the recent 
special session of the legislature, when an act was passed 
to authorize the Governor to borrow funds upon the faith 
of the state; anew Board of commissioners has been or- 
ganized, and this great work is about to be prosecuted 
with vigor to its completion. 

Funds, in part, have been provided, from the sales of 
certain saline lands belonging to the state, to improve the 
navigation of the Great Wabash, at the Grand Rapids* 
near the mouth of White river, in conjunction with the 
state of Indiana. From the same source, funds are to be 
applied to the clearing out of several navigable water- 
courses, and repairing roads, within the state. 

Charters have been granted to several railroad com- 
panies, some of which have been surveyed and the stock 
taken. One from Alton to Springfield was surveyed in 
1834, and the stock subscribed in December. Another 
from St. Louis, by the coal mines of St. Clair county, to 
Belleville, 13 miles, is expected to be made immediately 
The project of a central railway from the termination of 
the Illinois and Michigan canal, at the foot of the rapids, a 



OF ILLINOIS. 3til 

few miles below Ottawa, — through Bloomington, Decatur, 
Shelbyville, Vandalia, and on to the mouth of the Ohio 
river, has been entered upon with spirit. Another charter 
contemplates the continuance of a route, already provided 
for in Indiana, and noticed under Ohio, from Lafayette, 
Indiana, by Danville, Shelbyville and Hillsboro', to Alton, 
the nearest point from the east to the Mississippi. A rail- 
road charter was granted at a previous session of the leg- 
islature from Meredosia to Jacksonville, and another from 
Vincennes to Chicago. 

We have only room to mention the following charters, 
which have been recently granted, in addition to those 
already specified : 

One from Pekin to Tremont, in Tazewell county, 9 
miles. 

One from the Wabash, by Peoria to Warsaw, in Han- 
cock county. 

The Wabash and Mississippi railroad company. 

The Mount Carmel and Alton railroad company. 

The Rushville railroad company. 

The Winchester, Lynville, and Jacksonville railroad 
company. 

The Shawneetown and Alton railroad company. 

The Pekin, Bloomington, and Wabash railroad com- 
pany. 

The Waverly and Grand Prairie railroad company. 

The Galena and Chicago Union railroad company. 

The Wabash and Mississippi Union railroad company. 

The Mississippi, Carrollton and Springfield railroad 
company. 

The National Road is in progress through this state, 
and considerable has been made on that portion which 
lies between Vandalia and the boundary of Indiana. This 
road enters Illinois at the northeast corner of Clark coun- 

31 



302 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISE 

ty, and passes diagonally through Coles and Ef&hgheem 
counties in a southwesterly course to Vandalia, a distance 
of 90 miles. The road is established 80 feet wide, the cen- 
tral part 30 feet wide, raised above standing water, and 
not to exceed three degrees from a level. The base of all 
the abutments of bridges must be equal in thickness to 
one third of the height of the abutment. 

The road is not yet placed in a travelling condition. 
The line of the road is nearly direct, the loss in 90 miles 
being only the 88th part of one per cent. Between Van- 
dalia and Ewington, for 23 miles, it does not deviate in 
the least from a direct line, 

Q. What is the state of Education in Illinois ? 

A. The same provision has been made for this as other 
western states, in the disposal of the public lands. The 
section numbered sixteen in each township of land, is sold 
upon petition of the people within the township, and the 
avails constitute a permanent fund r the interest of which 
is annually applied towards the expenses, in part, of the 
education of those who attend school, living within the 
township. 

A school system, in part, has been arranged by the leg- 
islature. The peculiar and unequal division of the coun- 
try into timber and prairie lands, and the inequality ol 
settlements consequent thoreupon, will prevent, for many 
years to come, the organization of school districts with 
defined geographical boundaries. To meet this incon- 
venience, the legislature has provided that any number 
of persons can elect three trustees, employ a teacher in 
any mode they choose, and receive their proportion of the 
avails of the school funds. In all cases, however, the 
teacher must keep a daily account of each scholar who at- 
tends school, and make out a schedule of the aggregate that 
each scholar attends, every six months f and present it, cer- 



" 



OF ILLINOIS. 36 S 

tified by the trustees of the school, to the school commis- 
sioner of the county, who apportions the money accord- 
ingly. 

This state receives three per cent, on all the net avails 
of public lands sold in this state, which, with the avails of 
two townships sold, makes a respectable and rapidly in- 
creasing fund, the interest only of which can be expended, 
and that only to the payment of instructors. 

Good common school teachers, both male and female, 
are greatly needed, and will meet with ready employ, and 
liberal wages. Here is a most delightful and inviting field 
for Christian activity. Common school, with Sunday 
school instruction, calls for thousands of teachers in the 
west. 

Several respectable academies, are in operation, and the 
wants and feelings of the community call for many more. 
Besides the colleges at Jacksonville and Alton already 
noticed, others are projected, and several have been char- 
tered. The Methodist denomination have a building erect- 
ed, and a preparatory school commenced, at Lebanon, St. 
Clair county. The Episcopalians are about establishing 
a college at Springfield. One or more will be demanded 
in the northern and eastern portions of the state ; and it 
may be calculated that, in a very brief period, the state of 
Illinois will furnish facilities for a useful and general edu- 
cation, equal to those in any part of the country. 

Q. What are the Manufactures of Illinois ? 

A. In the infancy of a state, little can be expected in 
machinery and manufactures. And in a region so much 
deficient in water power as some parts of Illinois is, still 
less may be looked for. Yet Illinois is not entirely defi- 
cient in manufacturing enterprize. 



364 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

Q. What amount of Lead is manufactured ? 

A. The following table shows the amount of lead made 
annually from 1821 to Sept. 1835: 

Lbs. of lead made from 1821, to Sept. 1823, 335,130 

do. for the year ending Sept. 30, 1824, 175,220 



do. 


do. 


do. 


1825, 


664,530 


do* 


do. 


do. 


1826, 


958,842 


do. 


do. 


do. 


1827, 


5,182,180 


do. 


do. 


do. 


1828, 


11,105,810 


do. 


do. 


do. 


1829, 


13,344.150 


do. 


do. 


do. 


1830, 


8,323,998 


do. 


do. 


do. 


1831, 


6,381,900 


do. 


do. 


do. 


1832, 


4,281.876 


do. 


do. 


do. 


1833, 


7,841,792 


do. 


do. 


do. 


1834, 


7,971,579 


do. 


do. 


do. 


1835, 


3,754,290 



Total, 70,420,357 

The rent accruing to government for the same period, 
is a fraction short of six millions of pounds. The govern- 
ment formerly received 10 per cent, in lead for rent. Now 
it is 6 per cent. 

A part of the mineral land in the Wisconsin Territory 
has been surveyed and brought into market, which will 
add greatly to the stability and prosperity of the mining 
business. 

Q. What is the state of Religion in Illinois I 

A. In general, there are as many professors of religion 
in proportion to the population, as in most of the states. 

;Q. What are the principal Church divisions in this 
State ? 

A. The following table exhibits at one view the differ* 
ent religious denominations in Illinois. 



OF ILLINOIS. 



365 



b&MM3UTtoj»J No. of Churches. Ministers. Members. 

Presbyterians, 71 50 2,000 

Methodist Episcopai, 61 15,097 

Baptists, 240 163 6,741 

Congregational, 3 or 4 

Cumberland Presby. 300 400 10,000 

Methodist Protestants, 3 

Campbellites or Disciples, 7 400 

Dunkards, 6 

Lutherans, 3 3 

United Breth. in Christ, 6 

Roman Catholics, Few. 

Q. What is the History of Illinois ? 

A. The early settlements of the French along the Illi- 
nois and Mississippi rivers, date back to 1673. The dis- 
tant and feeble establishments of that nation at any place 
within the chartered limits of Illinois, never arose to the 
dignity of colonies. 

At the close of the revolutionary war, and by the treaty 
of 1783, the country was claimed under the charter of 
Virginia, and held by that state until ceded to the United 
States in 1787. It was then made a part of the territory 
northwest of the Ohio river. 

When the now state of Ohio was made a separater ter- 
ritory in 1800, Illinois and Indiana remained united, and 
continued one territory, until 1809, when they were sepa- 
rated into two. Indiana lying eastward, and in the direc- 
tion of the stream of emigration, preceded Illinois as a 
state; the former reached that dignity in 1815, and the 
latter in 1818, as may be seen by the date of her consti- 
tution. Since that epoch the history of the state merges 
in that of the United States. , 



31* 



366 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

Table of Distances in Illinois. 



1. From Shawnee- 
town to Bain- 
bridge, Mo. 

To Vienna, 
Mount Pleasant, 
Jonesboro' 
Bainbridge, Mo. 



2. From Shawnee- 
t own to St. Louis, 
Mo. 

To Equality, 

Curran, 

Frankfort, 

Nashville, 

Belleville, 

St: Louis, Mo. 



S 3 



3. From Vincenncs, 
In., to St. Louis, 
Mo. 

Lawrenceviile, II., 

Maysville, 

Salem, 

Carlyle, 

"Lebanon, 

Belleville, 

St. Louis, Mo. 



50 
60 
70 



29 

45 

91 

125 

140 



4. From Skawnee- 
town to Vandalia. 

To Equality, 
Moore's Prairie, 
Mount Vernon, 
Walnut Hill, 
Carlyle, 
Vandalia, 



50 
87 
112 
141 
153 
163 



53 

67 

85 

102 

132 



5. From Sclem to 
St. Louis, Mo. 

To Vandalia, 
Greenville, 
Hickory Grove, 
Ed wards ville, 
St. Louis, Mo. 



6. From Vandalia 
to Galena. 

To HillsboroN 
Macaupin Point, 
Springfield, 
Peoria, 

Dixon's Ferry, 
Galena, 



7. From Vincenncs, 

In., to Danville. 
To Palestine, U., 
York, 
Darwin, 
Paris, 
Bloomfield, 
Georgetown, 
Danville, 



46 

56 

81 

103 



28 

23 51 
28 79 
66 145 
99:244 
61 305 



40 
50 

76 
90 



16 I0o 
14 120 



8. From St. Louis 
to SpringJieU, via 
Carrollton. 

To Lower Alton, 

Carrolltoa, 

White Hall, 

Manchester, 

Jacksonville, 

Berlin, 

Springfield, 



60 
74 
83 
94 
115 
130 





OF ILLINOIS. 




367 


t>. Fiom St. Louis 


g 


§ 


1 


g 


to Springfield, via 


a 


o" 


5* 




Carlinville. 


to 


tit 




to 




Edwardsville, 11. 


22 




Upper Alton, 


"2 


00 


Carlinville, 


40 


62 


St. Charles, Mo. 


28 


61 


Macaupin Point, 
Springfield, 


24 

28 


86 
114 




















11. From Vincennes, 
In., to St. Louis, 










10. From Belleville 






Mo.,v'mVandalia. 






to St. Charles, 






To Salem, as in 






Mo. 






No. 3, 


37 




To Collinsville, 


11 




Vandalia, 


26 


113 


Edwardsville, 


8 


19 


St. Louis, as in No.. 






Lower Alton, 


12 


31 


< 5, 


77 


IPO 



MICHI&AN.' 



CJ. How is ."Michigan bounded, and how many Square 
miles and acres does it contain ? 

A> Michigan is bounded on the north by the straits of 
Mackinaw; -east by lakes Huron, St. Clair and Erie, and 
their waters; south by Ohio and Indiana; and west by 
lake Michigan. It contains 40,000 square miles, and about 
20,000,000 acres. There are no mountains in this state. 

Q. Which a: e the principal rivers and lakes? 

A. The northern tributaries of the Maumee, Raisin, 
Huron, Grand, Rouge, Detroit, Clinton, Bell, Pine, Black, 
St. Clair, Saginaw, Tittibawassee, Hare, Shiawassee-, 
Flint, Cass, Traverse, Ottawa, Betsy, Manistic, Pent, 
White, Maskegon, Kekamalazoo, St. Joseph, and a few 
others. For a lull description of the sources and meand- 
rings of the several rivers, we would refer the reader to 
Beck's Emigrants' Guide, page 180-184. 

Describe the soil and surface. 

It is generally a level country, having no mountains 
and not many elevations that might properly be called 
hills. The centre of the peninsula is table land; elevated, 
however, not many feet above the level of the lakes, and 

* For want of space, we have to compress the description of Michi- 
gan and Missouri. 



OF MICHIGAN. 369 

a'oping inward; still the surface is undulating. A few- 
miles back of Detroit is a flat wet country for some con- 
siderable extent ; for Michigan abounds with small lakes 
and ponds. 

Q. What arc the natural productions ? 

A. The timber consists of all the varieties in the west- 
ern states ; such as oaks of various species, walnut, hick- 
ory, maple, poplar, ash, beech, white and yellow pine, &c. 

Q. How is the climate ? 

A. In consequence of the country being level and penin- 
sular, and surrounded on all sides but the south, with 
immense bodies of water, it is more temperate and mild 
than could be expected from its latitude. The southern 
parts have mild winters, and the spring opens as early as 
in any part of the United States, in the same latitude. 

Give an outline of the Constitution of this state. 

A convention assembled at Detroit, on the 11th of 
May, 1835, and framed a constitution for a state govern- 
ment, which was submitted to, and ratified by a vote of the 
people on the first Monday in October. 

The powers of the government are divided into three 
distinct departments: — the legislative, — the executive, — 
and the judicial. 

The legislative power is vested in a Senate and House 
of Representatives. The representatives are to be chosen 
annually ; and their number cannot be less than 48, nor 
more than 100. 

The senators are to be chosen every two years, one 
half of them every year, and to consist, as nearly as may 
be, of one third of the number of the representatives. 

The census is to be taken in 1837, and 1845, and every 
ten years after the latter period ; and also after each census 
taken by the United States, the number of senators and 
representatives is to be apportioned anew among the sev- 



<! 



370 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

eral counties, according to the number of white inhabi- 
tants. 

The legislature is to meet annually, on the first Monday 
in January. 

The executive power is to be vested in a governor, who 
holds his office for two years. Upon a vacancy, the lieu- 
tenant governor performs executive duties. The first 
election was held on the first Monday in October, 1835, 
and the governor and lieutenant governor hold their offices 
till the first Monday in January, 1838. 

The judicial power is vested in one Supreme Court, and 
in such other courts as the legislature may, from time to 
time, establish. The judges of the Supreme Court are to 
be appointed by the governor, with the advice and con- 
sent of the senate, for the term of seven years. Judges of 
all county courts, associate judges of circuit courts, and 
judges of probate, are to be elected by the people for the 
term of four years. 

Each township is authorized to elect four justices of the 
peace, who are to hold their offices for four years. In all 
elections, every white male citizen above the age of 21 
years, having been a resident six months next preceding 
any election, is entitled to vote at such election. 

Slavery, lotteries, and the sale of lottery tickets, are 
prohibited. 

The seat of government is to be at Detroit, or such 
other place or places as may be prescribed by law untill 
the year 1847, when it is to be permanently fixed by the 
legislature. 

Q. What can you say of the population of this state ? 

A. In 1834, there were 31,346 white; 261 free color- 
ed ; 32 slaves, making a total of 31,639. In 1835, the pop-, 
ulation was 85,856; at present, no doubt, it exceeds. 
100,000. 



OF MICHIGAN. 



371 



Q. Into how many counties is this state divided ? 

A. In 1835, this state had been divided into no less than 
33 counties, some of which were attached to adjacent 
counties for judicial purposes. 

The following tabel gives us at one view, the names of 
counties, population, seats of juctice, &c. 



Counties. Pop ulation). Seats op Just. 



Berrian, - - 
Branch, - - 
Calhoun, - 
Cass, - - 
Jackson, 
Kalamazoo, 
Lenawee, - 
Macomb, 
Monroe, 
Oakland, 
St. Clair, - 
St- Joseph, 
Washtenaw, 
Wayne, 



1,787 

764 

1,714 

3,280 

1,865 

3,124 

7,911 

6,055 

8,542 

13,844 

2,244 

3,168 

14,920 

16,638 



Total, 85,856 



Dist.from 
Detroit. 



Berrian, 180 

Branch, 133 

Ecklord, - - - - - 100 

Cassopolis, - - - - 160 

Jacksonsburgh, - - 77 

Bronson, 137 

Tecumseh, .... 63 

Mount Clemens, - - 25 

Monroe, 36 

- 26 

- 60 

- 135 
■ 42 



Pontiac, - - - 

St. Clair, - - - 

White Pigeon, - 

Ann Arbor, - - 

Detroit. - - - 



The other counties are Hillsdale, Van Buren, Allegan, 
Barry, Eaton, Ingham, Livingston, Lapeer, Genessee, Shia- 
wassee, Clinton, Ionia, Kent, Ottawa, Oceana, Gratiot, 
Isabella, Midland, Saginaw, Sanilac, Gladwin and Arenac, 
the population of which are included in the counties given 
in the table. 

The counties are subdivided into incorporated town- 
ships, for local purposes, the lines of which usually corres- 
pond with the land surveys. 

For the sales of public lands, the state is divided into 
three land districts, and land offices are established at De- 
troit, Monroe, and Bronson. 



372 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

Describe the chief towns. 

DETROIT is the commercial and political metropolis. It 
is beautifully situated on the west side of the river Detroit, 
18 miles above Maiden in Canada, and 8 miles below the 
outlet of lake St. Clair.. A narrow street, on which the 
wharves are built, runs parallel with the river. After as- 
cending the bench or bluff, is a street called Jefferson 
Avenue, on which the principal buildings are erected. 
The older dwellings are of wood, but many have been re- 
cently built of brick, with basements of stone, the latter 
material being brought from Cleveland, Ohio. The primi- 
tive forest approaches near the town. 

The public buildings of Detroit, are a state house, a 
council house, an academy, and two or three banking 
houses. There are five churches for as many different 
denominations, in which the Episcopalians, Presbyterians, 
Baptists, Methodists, and Roman Catholics worship. The 
Catholic congregation is the largest, and they have a large 
cathedral. Stores and commercial warehouses are nu- 
merous, and business is rapidly increasing. Town lots, 
rents, and land property in the vicinity are rising rapidly. 
Lots have advanced, within two or three years, in the 
business parts of the city, more than one thousand per 
cent. Mechanics of all descriptions, and particularly those 
in the building line, are much wanted here, and in other 
towns in Michigan. The population is supposed to be 
about 10,000, and is rapidly increasing. This place com- 
mands the trade of all the upper lake country. 

MONROE, the seat oi justice for Monroe county, is sit- 
uated on the right bank of the river Raisin, opposite the 
site of old Frenchtown. Two year since, it had about 150 
houses, of which 20 or 30 were of stone, and 1600 inhabi- 
tants. There were also two flouring and several saw- 
mills, a woolen factory, an iron foundary, a chair factory, 
&c, and an abundant supply of water power, The "Bank 



OF MICHIGAN. 373 

of the River Raisin," with a capital of $100,000, is estab* 
lished here. The Presbyterians, Episcopalians, Baptists, 
Methodists, and Roman Catholics have houses of worship 
and ministers here. It was at this place, or rather at 
Frenchtown in its vicinity, that a horrible massacre of 
American prisoners took place during the last war with 
Great Britain, by the Indians under Gen. Proctor. The 
sick and wounded were burned alive in the hospital, or 
shot as they ran shrieking through the flames ! 

Of the 700 young men barbarously murdered here, 
many were students at law, young physicians, and mer- 
chants, the best blood of Kentucky. 

Mount Clemens, Brownstown, Ann Arbor, Pontiac, 
White Pigeon, Tecumseh, Jacksonsburgh, Niles, St. Jo- 
sephs, &c, are pleasant villages and are increasing rapid- 
ly in population, &c. 

Q. What are the Internal Improvements ? 

A. A survey has been made for a railroad across the 
peninsula of Detroit, through the counties of Wayne, 
Washtenaw, Jackson, Calhoun, Kalamazoo, Van Buren, 
and Berrian, io tbe mouth of St. Joseph River. Another 
project is to commence at or near Toledo on the Maumee 
river, and pass through the southern counties of Michigan 
into Indiana, and terminate at Michigan city. A third 
project is to open a water communication from the navi- 
gable waters of Grand river, to Huron river, and, by locks 
and slack water navigation to lake Erie. 

Q. What is the state of Agriculture ? 

A. This is slowly improving. The principal products 
raised are corn and wheat which grow luxuriantly. Rye 
oats, buckwheat, potatoes, and all garden vegetables com- 
mon to the western states grow well. All grasses grow 
well. 

Q. What is the state of education ? 

A. Congress has made the same donations of lands, as 
32 



374 GEOGRAPHICAL, CATECHISM 

to other western states, and will, doubtless, appropriate 
the same per centage on the sales of public lands, when 
the state is admitted into the Union, as has been appropri- 
ated to the other new states.. A respectable female acad- 
emy is in operation at Detroit, The Presbyterian de- 
nomination are about establishing a college at Ann Arbor, 
the Methodists a seminary at Spring Arbor, the Baptists 
one in Kalamazoo county, and the Roman Catholics, it is 
said, have fixed their post at Bertrand, a town on the St. 
Joseph river, in the southeastern corner of Berrian county, 
and near to the boundary line of Indiana. Much senti- 
ment and feeling exists in favor of education and literary 
institutions, amongst the people. 

Q. What can you say of Religion and the various de- 
nominations ? 

A. The Methodists have 11 preachers and 675 mem- 
bers ; the Presbyterians 32 churches and 20 ministers ; the 
Episcopalians 15 ministers; the Baptists 60 churches, and 
60 ministers, and 1700 members; the Roman Catholics 
have 1 bishop, 18 priests, 3,500 of population. 

Q. What can you say of the history of Michigan ? 

A. The first civilized settlements in Michigan were 
made by the French from Canada ; and Detroit was found- 
ed about 1670; but this region so remote from the Atlan- 
tic coast, was peopled slowly, and at the end of the revo- 
lutionary war, when ceded to the United States by the 
treaty of Paris, contained but few inhabitants. Under 
various pretences, the British colonial agents retained De- 
troit, with all that is now Michigan, until after the treaty of 
Greenville, and the United States did not obtain the coun- 
try in actual possession until 1796. The territory of Mich- 
igan was formed in 1805. The country had to sustain 
more than a share of the vicissitudes of the last war be- 
tween the United States and Great Britain, and was, in 
1812, actually overrun by the troops of the lattery but m 



OF MCIHIUAN. 



375 



the ensuing year was retaken by an army of the United 
States under General Harrison. Relieved from calamities 
of war, and laid open to Atlantic commerce and emigra- 
tion by the great western canal of New York, the advance 
of Michigan has been rapid. By the census of 1820, it. 
contained but 8,896 inhabitants, but as shown in 1830, the 
population was 31,639; the inhabitants now, 1836, exceed 
100,000. 

On the 17th July, 1822, Colonel Brady founded Fort 
Brady on the straits of St. Mary, and commenced the set- 
tlements of Chippeway county. The settlements on the 
peninsula are spreading with great rapidity, as may be 
seen by the numerous counties formed since the census 
of 1830 was taken. 

In 1835 a constitution was framed for the state and rati- 
fied by the people. In 1836, Michigan was admitted into 
the Union as a state. 



Table of distances in 3£ichig"an. 




1 From Lower San- 


g 


g 




% 


g 


dusky to Detroit J 


BO 


% 




o" 


o 


M. T. 


a 


w 




w 


«j 


To Perrysburg, 
Maumee, 


32 

1 


33 


Adrian, 
Tecumseh. 


12 
10 


42 

52 


Port Lawrence, 


10 
18 


43 
61 








Monroe, 






Brownstown, 


18 


79 








Mongua^on, 


4 


,83 
02 


3 From Detroit to 






DETROIT, 


19 


Chicago. 












To Lafayette, 
Ypsilanti, 


12 
20 






32 


2 From Monroe to 
Tecumseh. 






Jonesville, 
Cold water, 
St urges' Prairie, 


68 
20 
25 


100 
120 
145 


To Atkinson, 


7 




Mottville, 


17 


162 


Raisinville, 


4 


11 


Edwardsburg, 


22 


184 


Summerfield, 


5 


16 


South Bend, In. 


16 


200 


Blissfield, 


14 


30 


! Chicago, 


92 


292 







hkxssou&x, 



Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of the State of Mis- 
souri ? 

A. Missouri is bounded by Des Moines country, at- 
tached to Wisconsin Territory, east by the Mississippi 
river, south by the Arkansas Territory, and west by the 
Indian Territory. It contains 64,500 square miles, and 
41,280,000 acres. 

Q. What cau you say of the population ? 

A. In 1820, there was a population of 66,586; in 1830, 
148,555; in 1836, (estimated for January,) 210,000. 

Q. Are there any mountains in Missouri ? 

A. There are, properly speaking, no mountains. The 
surface of this state is greatly diversified. 

Name some of the principal rivers. 

Besides the great rivers Mississippi and Missouri, this 
state is watered by various other streams of magnitude ; 
as the Osage which is navigable 660 miles for boats; the 
Grand, Chariton, Gasconade, Merrimac, Washita, St. 
Francis, Kankas, Lemoine. &c. 

£ Describe the soil. 

A great portion of the land is of the richest kind. The 
land bordering on the Missouri are exceedingly rich. 
They consist of a stratum of black alluvial soil of un- 
known depth. As you recede from the banks of the 
rivers, the land rises, passing sometimes gradually, an$ 






or Missouri. 377 

sometimes abruptly into elevated barrens, flinty ridges, 
and rocky cliffs; so that a portion of the state is unfit for 
cultivation. 

Q. What minerals abound in this State ? 

A. Various kinds, as lead, iron, coal, gypsum, zinc, 
manganese, antimony, cobalt, ochre of various kinds, 
common salt, plumbago, porphry, jasper, marble, chalce- 
dony, barrstor.e, freestone, &e. There is iron are enough 
in Missouri to supply the whole United States. 

Describe the Climate, 

The climate is remarkably serene and temperate, and 
very favourable to health. 

(.}. What can you say of the Constitution of Missouri? 

A. The constitution, which was formed at St. Louis, ill 
1320, is similar to that of Illinois, in its broad features* 
excepting the holding of slaves is allowed, and the Gene- 
ral Assembly has no power to pass laws for the emanci- 
pation of slaves, without the consent of their owners, or 
paying an equivalent. It is made the duty of the General 
Assembly " to oblige the owners of slaves to treat them 
with humanity, and to abstain from all injuries to them 
extending to life or limb." " Slaves shall not be deprived 
of an impartial trial by jury." 

In 1832, there were in the state, 32,184 slaves, and G61 
free coloured persons. 

Every fvec white male citizen has the right of suffrage, 
after residing in the state one year. 

Q. What arc the civil divisions of Missouri? 

A. It is divided into 50 counties, as follows: — Barry, 
Benton, Roone, Callaway, Cape Girardeau, Carroll, Cha- 
viton, Clay, Clinton, Cole, Cooper, Crawford, Franklin, 
Gasconade, Green, Howard, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, 
La Fayette, Lewis, Lincoln, Madison, Marion, Monroe, 
Montgomery, Morgan, New Madrid, Perry, Pettis, Pike, 
32* 



3? & geogii afhic&l CAvmmm 

Polk, Pulaski, Randolph, Ralls, Ray, Ripley, Rives, St, 
Francois, St Genevieve, St. Charles, St. Louis, Saline, 
Scott, Shelby, Stoddart, Van Buren, Warren, Washington, 
and Wayne. 

Describe the principal Towns* 

JEFFERSON CITY, in Cole county, is the political 
capitol of the state, on the right bank of the Missouri, 
immediately above Wier's creek, and a few miles above 
the Osage, and about 138 miles from- St. Louis. The 
town is but small, and scarce any business done in the 
place, except some state business. " It contains besides 
private houses, a governor's house, the state house, and a 
penitentiary. 

ST. LOUIS is the metropolis and commercial capital, 
and the most important place in all this portion of the 
" Great Mississippi Valley." It is on the western bank of 
the Mississippi, 180 miles above the junction of the Ohio, 
18 miles below that of the Missouri, 38 miles below that 
of the Illinois, and 1,200 above New Orleans, by the course 
of water. 

It is beautifully situated on ascending and elevated 
ground, which spreads out into an undulating surface to 
the west for many miles. Two streets are parallel with 
the river on the first bank, and the rest of the city stands 
on the second bank; but very little grading is necessary, 
to give the streets running back from the river, their pro- 
per inclination. The old streets, designed only for a 
French village, are too narrow for public convenience, 
but a large part of the city has been laid out on a liberal 
scale. 

The Indian and Spanish trade, the fur and pelty busi- 
ness, lead, government agencies, army supplies, surveys 
of government lands, with, the regular trade of an exten- 
sive interior country, makes St. Louis a place of great 



OF MISSOURI. 379 

business, in proportion to its population, which is about 
10,000. 

The morality, intelligence and enterprize of this city is 
equal to any other in the West, in proportion to its size. 
The American population is most numerous, but there 
are many French, Irish and Germans. 

About one-third of the inhabitants are Roman Catho- 
lics. The Presbyterians, Methodists, and Episcopalians 
have large congregations and houses of worship. The 
Baptists and Unitarians are rather small, and without 
public edifices. The Roman Catholic cathedral is a cost- 
ly pile of buildings of freestone, and has a splendid chime 
of' bells, sent over from Europe. St. Louis is a pleasant 
and healthy situation, and surrounded with a fertile 
country. 

Cape Girardeau is a commercial depot for the southern 
part of the state. 

St. Genevieve stands a little back from the river, and is 
known only as an old French village. 

a is a landing and depot for the lead mine country, 
o3 miles below St. Louis. 

Clarksville, Hannibal, Saverton, and La Grange are 
commercial sites on the Mississippi, above the mouth of 
Missouri. 

Palmyra Is a beautiful town, of about 1,090 inhabitants, 
and the seat of justice for Marion county. 

Along the ■Missouri are Portland, Rocheport, Boonville, 
Lexington, Independence, and many other places of vari- 
ous degrees of importance. Franklin formerly stood on the 
north bank of Missouri, but most of it has been removed 
three miles interior, to the bluffs. 

Potosi is a central town in the mineral district. 

Fulton, Columbia, and Fayette are the seats of justice 
for Callaway, Boone, and Howard counties, and are plea- 
sant and flourishing towns. 



33Q GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 

Q. What arc the Internal Improvements ? 

A. There are few. The citizens of St. Louis, very re- 
cently have entered upon a project of a railroad from that 
city, through the heart of this country, to the fine farming 
lands in the south-western part of the state. 11 this pro- 
ject be carried out, it will be beneficial to the state. 

Q. What is the state of Education ? 

A. Similar provisions have been made as in other west- 
ern states; and there is a strong disposition to encourage 
common schools and sustain academies. 

St. Louis University was founded in 1829, and is con- 
ducted by the Fathers of the Society of Jesuits. 

There is another institution at a place called Bois Brule 
Bottom, in the southern part of the state, both Catholic 
institutions. There is also a college at Marion. 

Q. What can you say of the principal Hetigicus De- 
nominations ? 

A, The Baptists in this state have 180 churches, 115 
ministers, 6,090 communicants ; the Methodists have 57 
ministers, 7,958 white members, 1,0G1 coloured, and 88 ( J 
Indians, — in tcto 9,898; the Presbyterians have 33 churches, 
20 ministers, 1,549 members; the Roman Catholics have 
a host of priests, and many chapels ; the Episcopalians 
have 5 or 6 ministers. 

Q. What is the early History of Missouri ? 

A. The whole country now included in the states of 
Alabama and Mississippi, was held by France, or more 
conectly, that nation claimed this region as a part of 
Louisiana, from their first settlement on the northern 
shores of the Gulf of Mexico. 

In 1716, the French formed a settlement amongst the 
Natchez Indians,, and built a fort where the city of Nat- 
chez now stands. In the first instance, the Indians were 
unaware of the consequence, but dissatisfaction soon 
arose, and ended, in 1723, in open war. 



OF MISSOURI. 331 

Bienville, the governor-general, marched a force from 
New Orleans to Natchez, which the Indians were unable 
to oppose, and were compelled to submit to terms. 

In 1729, a man of the name of Chopart was command- 
ant at Natchez ; but his injustice and folly so exasperated 
the natives, and at the same time neglecting the means of 
defending his colony against their wrath, a massacre was 
planned, and on the 30th of November, 1729, perpetrated; 
when, with two or three exceptions, the French of both 
sexes, to the amount of 700, fell victims. The total dis- 
persion of the Natchez nation soon followed, as they were 
too weak to sustain themselves against the French. 

The country in the vicinity of Natchez was abandoned 
by both whites and Indians, and remained long uninhab- 
ited. The French still, however, claimed the country 
until 1763, when it was ceded as part of Florida to Great 
Britain. 

Settlers slowly entered the country, and many very re- 
spectable British families located themselves in and near 
Natchez. During the revolutionary war, 1781, Governor 
Galvez, of Louisiana, invaded and conquered West Flo- 
rida, and by the treaty of Paris, 17S3, it fell once more to 
Spain, who held it until 1793, when it was given up to the 
United States. 

The 9th of July, 1808, an act of Congress was passed to 
admit a delegate from Mississippi territory into Congress. 
June 17th, the assent of Georgia demanded to the forma- 
tion of two states from the Mississippi territory. Georgia 
acceded to the demand, but the country remained a terrU 
tory until December 1817. Previous to the latter date, on 
the 21st of January, 1815, a petition from the Legislature 
of the Mississippi territory, praying admission into the 
Union as a state. This petition was favourably reported 
on by a committee of Congress, December, 1816. An act 
was passed the 1st of March, 1817, authorizing the people 



382 



GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 



of the petitioning territory to call a Convention, which 
was called, and met in July, 1817. The Convention ac- 
cepted the act of Congress, and proceeded to frame a 
Constitution of government. The Constitution was adopt- 
ed on the 15th of August, and in the ensuing December 
was confirmed by Congress, and the new state took her 
station as a member of the Union. 



Table of 

1. From St. Louis 

to Palmyra. 
To Waltondam, 
St. Charles, 
Troy, 
Auburn, 
Bowling Green, 
Frankford, 
New London, 
Hannibal, 
Palmyra, 



Distances in XVSissouri. 



2. From St. Louis 

to Fayttte. 
To St. Charles, 
Stockland, 
Lewistown, 
Fulton, 
Millersburg, 
Columbia, 
Franklin, 
Fayette, 



3. From St. Louis 
to Jefferson Bar- 
racks, 



4. From Bainbridgc, 
Mo. to Little Rock, 
A. T. 

To Jackson, 



10 



12 



20 

57 

73 

89 

100 

112 

120 

130 



30 
75 
110 
120 
134 
160 
173 



Greenville, 

Hix's Ferry, A. T. 

Columbia, 

Jackson, 

Batesville, 

Little Red River, 

Little Rock, 



5. From Jackson to 

St. Louis, Mo. 
To Perryville, 
Kaskaskia, II. 
Waterloo, 
Columbia, 
St. Louis, Mo. 



6. From Fayette to 

Independence. 
To Chariton, 
Walnut Farm, 
Petitsaw Bluff, 
Lexington, 
Pleasant Grove, 
Independence, 



67 
123 
139 
153 
203 
236 
303 



7. From Jefferson 

City to Fulton. 
To Hibernia, 
Fulton, 



50 

84 

93 

112 



21 
51 
74 

88 
113 



23 



coNSsxras, 



PENNSYLVANIA. 



PAGE 

Name, boundaries, slope, 1 
Area, acres, mountains, 
montanic aspect, prin- 
cipal mountains, 2 
Area covered by moun- 
tains, 7 
Valleys, appearance of, 8 
Rivers, principal, ib. 
Do. General descrip. of, 1 1 
Harbours, soil, 23 
Minerals, 42 
Iron ore, 43 
Other minerals, mineral 

springs, 44 

Caves, 45 

Forest trees, 47 

Climate, 48 

Quantity of rain, 49 

Government, 50 

Population, 52 



PAGE 

Civil divisions of coun- 
ties, alphabetically ar- 
ranged, 53-100 
Cities and towns, 100-136 
Internal improvements, 138 
Bridges, 139 
State canals, 140 
Canals by companies 142 
Railroads, 144 
Education, 149 
Universities, 1 50 
Common schools, 151 
Lyceums, 155 
Religious denominat's. 156 
Poor, support of, 157 
Prison discipline, ib. 
Banks, 161 
Revenue, 163 
History, 164 
Stage routes, 166 



OHIO 



Boundaries, area, acres, 

mountains, 173 

Rivers, descript. of, 1 74-181 
Harbours, 181 

Soil and surface, 182 

Geology, minerals, mines, 1 85 
Mineral springs, 186 

Forest, 187 

Climate, 188 

Government, 190 

Population, 192 

Civil divisions, &c. 194-233 
Cities and towns, 233-243 
Internal improvements, 243 



Canals, 243 

Railroads, 244 

Turnpikes, 245 

Agricultural products, 246 

Commerce, 247 

Manufactures, ib. 

Education, 248 

Religion, 250 

Penitentiary system, 251 

Revenue, ib. 

Canal fund, 252 

Antiquities, 254 

History, 255 

Principal stage routes, 260 



0388 134 






334 



CONTENTS. 



INDIANA. 



Name, boundaries, 

Mountains, rivers, 

Harbours, 

Face of the country, 

Minerals, 

Medical springs, 

Caves, 

Natural productions, 

Climate, 

Government, 

Indians, 

Population, 



PAGE 

261 

ib. 
267 

ib. 
270 

ib. 
271 
272 

ib. 
273 
274 
275 



PAGE 

Civil divisions of coun- 
ties alphabetically ar- 
ranged, 275-302 
Chief towns, 302-311 
Internal improvem. 312-314 
Agriculture, commerce, 

manufactures, 315 

Education, colleges, ib. 

Religious character, 317 
Finances, ib. 

History, 318 

Table of distances. 319 



ILLINOIS 



Boundaries, 
Mountains, valleys, i 

ers, 
Surface and soil, 
Inundated lands, 
Alluvion, 
Barrens, forests 
Minerals, 
Medical springs, 
Caves, curiosities, 
Natural productions, 
Climate, 



321 

322 
328 
ib. 
329 
332 
333 
335 
336 
337 
338 



Milk sicleneve, 339 

Government, 340 

Population, 341 

Civil divisions, &c. 343-355 
Chief towns, 356-359 

Internal Improvements, 360 
National Road, 361 

State of education, 362 

Manufactures, 363 

Religion and churches, 364 
Early history, 365 

Table of distances, 366 



M ICHIGAN. 

Boundaries, rivers, lakes, 

soil, and surface, 368 

Natural productions, 369 
Climate— Constitution, ib. 
Population, 371 



Chief towns, 

Internal improvem. &c. 

Religious denominat's. 

History, 

Table of distances, 



311 SS OUR I. 



Boundaries, population, 376 
Mountains, rivers, soil, ib. 
Minerals and climate, 377 
Constitution & civil div. ib. 



372 
373 
374 
ib. 

675 



Cities and towns, chief, 378 

Improvements & educa. 380 

Religion and history, ib. 

Table of distances, 382: 







4? * • • •- > 



XI 








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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




014 751 571 6 



